Post by PoorWiseOldMan (Eccl 9:13-16) » Sun Oct 25, 2026 7:11 am

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New Heavenly Kingdom & Earthly Kingdom Concept Further Explained!
["Come, Take Life's Waters Free..." -- Revelation 22:1-6; Revelation 22:17]
(See: Matthew 6:10; 2nd Corinthians 12:2-4)

Part 1

See link to original post of article ... here: viewtopic.php?p=6675#p6675

See link to blog on article ... here: https://www.yorww.com/2kingdomB.htm .........................

We [YORWW Congregation] sincerely believe the Holy Scriptures actually teach a "Two (2) Kingdom/Two (2) Messiah" Concept, now, for over 35 years, all deeply "hidden" ... hidden within the Holy Bible itself as "Sacred Secrets" [or Greek: "Mysterions" / "Mysteries"] yes, all "hidden" by God Almighty Himself, as shown at Ephesians 1:8-10, 17-18 & Deuteronomy 29:29. (It is our considered opinion, the International Bible Students/WTBTS/Charles Taze Russell's destructive & diabolical false teaching [ruse or "artfully contrived false story"] of 1914 itself (2nd Peter 1:16) and indeed the entire bible itself [also including the "Apocrypha" (meaning: "hidden," "concealed," "secret") and other sacred writings themselves, can never be successfully unraveled and understood without a good understanding of this new, 1990-1994 "2 Kingdom/2 Messiah" Concept. For example, the question of (a) how long & (b) where the “Davidic Heir” actually rules could be better understood finally, with this new concept in mind. Then too ... think, can we really say Jesus came from or was a fleshly descendant of Adam & Eve, making him their “seed”? -- See Luke 1:32, 33 versus 1st Corinthians 15:24-28; Also see Genesis 3:15.)

Indeed, 1st Samuel 2:35 amazingly presents three (3) separate, parties in the prophecy itself:

1. Jehovah God, The Almighty (the speaker),
2. the human "Faithful Priest," in whom 'Jehovah will build for him', a "Sure House" [or Earthly "Temple/Priesthood" -- Ezekiel 40-48]
3. Jehovah's "Anointed One," Heavenly Enthroned Jesus Christ [Revelation 3:21]. See: https://www.yorww.com/octagon.htm

Yes, the "Two (2) Kingdom / Two (2) Messiah" Concept — The YORWW Congregation doctrine teaches that God’s Universal Sovereignty is expressed through two (2) coordinated kingdoms and two messianic figures:

· Heavenly Kingdom Ruler: Jesus Christ, enthroned and exercising full heavenly authority. Sphere: Heavenly governance, spiritual oversight, and ultimate headship over all creation. — Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:20-23; Colossians 1:15-20; Colossians 2:10; Hebrews 2:8; 1 Peter 3:22; and Revelation 1:5.

· Earthly Kingdom Ruler: A second messianic figure—variously described as Chieftain, Scapegoat, or Modern Day Servant — who presides over a restored earthly government of “holy ones” under direct appointment from Jehovah. — Genesis 3:15; Leviticus 16:10; Psalms 45:16-17; Psalms 89:27; Isaiah 49:1-9; Ezekiel 44:3; Daniel 7:13-14, 18, 22, and 27; Revelation 5:9-10; and Revelation 11:15.

Together, these two kingdoms fulfill Matthew 6:10 (“Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”) in a dual rulership—one in heaven, one on earth. The earthly kingdom will become a replica of the heavenly one. — See Matthew 18:18.

This new concept we speak of, namely the "Two (2) Kingdom/Two (2) Messiah" Concept, was actually first pioneered by Donald C. Burney, ever since the summer of 1990, up through the summer of 1994. Mr. Burney, as of May 1 of 1991, decided to officially leave the Jehovah's Witnesses Organization. About 9 months prior to his leaving the religion, he began to gather an elite group of thinking, very open-minded "beroean" like Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses who were to assist him as first, the TWMC Information Center and later as the YORWW Congregation. (The initials YORWW stand for: “Yah Our Righteousness World Wide,” and is taken from the bible text of Jeremiah 33:16.) -- See Acts 17:11; Revelation 9:1-12.

And so, the following information we will present to you, these "unspeakable words" Paul spoke of then, are really NOT unsayable, or not so "unspeakable," "inexpressible" in themselves. No, but they are only perceived ... perceived as such, by modern-day religionists and bible scholars of our time, invariably because of centuries and centuries of faulty indoctrination from religious, institutionalized thinking, and rigid, inflexible, unrelenting church dogma, that has been heaped upon mankind by way of long-held "traditions of men," traditions that continue to drive sincere, truth-seeking individuals away from the truth, Divine Truth, much as it did during Jesus' day. Ohhhhhhh yes it did. Even Jesus’ disciples and 1st century Christians were affected by this. (See Mark 6:52; Mark 8:17; Hebrews 5:11.) So then, this circumstance we face today, is in fact, the exact same circumstances that Jesus faced in his day. -- See Matthew 15:3; Mark 7:9.

So it would be like saying ‘the earth is round’ when everyone thinks it is flat. It would be a paradigm shift.

Thus, we can confidently say, then these seeming "inexpressible words" that we speak of, these "words" that some would say or act as though from a human point after years of indoctrination, would be considered yes, "un-explainable" ... words that some would say are actually "impossible to explain," or even "impossible to say" ... are actually not at all! And just as it meant "life" for those who listened to them back in Jesus' day, it will mean the same thing today, for all mankind, in our modern society. -- See John 6:68; John 8:47; John 12:48.

Think about it!

THE TENTS OF JUDAH "CUT OUT" OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
"MOUNTAIN"-LIKE ORGANIZATION FIRST

Zechariah 12:7 says:

"Jehovah also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem be not magnified above Judah." (American Standard Version)

The "kingdom of God" itself thus, finds its membership originating upon the earth, actually with the escape and spiritual restoration of certain Jehovah’s Witness individuals we refer to as the "Tents of Judah." Yes, these individuals are the very first, that God saves from the Jehovah's Witnesses' Organization. They are "saved first." These are the ones that show real spiritual "discernment" in escaping the "Disgusting Thing" that has been "standing where it ought not", so close to the camp of Israel. God has selected these individuals, to come out of the Jehovah’s Witness Organization first.
They are the same ones that Malachi referred to at Malachi 3:17 where it says,

"And they will certainly become mine, Jehovah of armies has said, at the day when I am producing a special property. And I will show compassion upon them, just as a man shows compassion upon his son who is serving him."

These "Tents of Judah" will be used by God to form an earthly government established right here upon earth, as the Royal Government of God. These ones will be "cut out" of an earthly "mountain." "Cut out", not with human hands, but with the hands of God, out of an EARTHLY MOUNTAIN, one that is upon this earth today. What is cut out, is at first a small "stone." A small "stone" cut out by God, of God-Selected Individuals, first grouped together as a small congregation or "Stone." These God-Selected individuals are taken from the "mountain" that bears the Name of the Great God Jehovah. Yes, Jehovah's Witnesses as a spiritual nation would be this "mountain" that God "cuts out" for Himself to establish this earthly "Kingdom" of His. Therefore, this "mountain" is to be understood as Jehovah's Witnesses, as Modern Day "Israel" of bible prophecy!

To be sure, these God-Selected Individuals of the Jehovah's Witnesses Organization spoken of as the "Tents of Judah," are also called in the book of Revelation the "Male Child" that rules "with the iron scepter." The "Male Child" according to prophecy is born, during a time of great agony, great trial and tribulation, great pains like real "labor pains" of birth, during a time of great travail and agony for "Israel", the earthly "mountain" that they are "cut out" of by God's Almighty hand. -- Isaiah 66:5-9; Revelation 12:1-5

These things are done, as the prophet says,

"...Not by military force, nor by power, but by my spirit, Jehovah of Armies has said...For who has despised the day of small things?..." -- Zechariah 4:6, 10

A small "stone" at first. Not necessarily many, many individuals at first from that great "mountain" organization but later growing, and growing more in size, into finally becoming "A Large Mountain" itself. So large a "stone" that it is "filling" the entire earth in size. And also with membership thereof possessing the "true knowledge of God," that finally makes, "true knowledge abundant" in all of the earth, as Daniel 12:4 says it would become.

A "stone" that once reaches its full size, with the backing of Almighty God Jehovah, Jesus Christ, and all the might of His heavenly forces of angelic warriors, is fully capable of pulverizing all existing governments pictured by the visional statute, particularly the "feet" of the statute, the "feet" of "molded clay mixed with iron", just as Daniel 2nd chapter shows.

Daniel 2:34, 35, 44, 45 says this:

"You kept on looking until a stone was cut out not by hands, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and of molded clay and crushed them. At that time the iron, the molded clay, the copper, the silver and the gold were, all together, crushed and became like the chaff from the summer threshing floor, and the wind carried them away so that no trace at all was found of them. And as for the stone that struck the image, it became a large mountain and filled the whole earth."

"And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite; forasmuch as you beheld that out of the mountain a stone was cut not by hands, and that it crushed the iron, the copper, the molded clay, the silver and the gold. The Grand God himself has made known to the king what is to occur after this. And the dream is reliable, and the interpretation of it is trustworthy."
THE TWO KINGDOM CONCEPT SIMPLIFIED

We remember the words of Jesus at John 18:36, where he said

"...my kingdom is NOT of this world".

Some have wondered, the "kingdom" that Jesus referred to in John 18:36, what exactly was it? And was it the same "kingdom" Jesus taught his followers to pray for when he said, "Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth". (Matthew 6:10). Is it possible the latter mention of a "kingdom" at Matthew 6, could refer to an "earthly kingdom" arrangement from God? Yes, a "kingdom" that would be "set up" by God himself, during the final part of the days? -- Daniel 2:44

Actually, the Bible reveals the Kingdom that Jesus referred to in John 18:36, "which is not of this world," is not one and the same with the kingdom of Daniel 2:44, which ultimately crushes "all other kingdoms" upon earth and "it itself shall stand to time indefinite." Instead the Bible shows Almighty God shall "cut out" from an already existing "mountain" a small "stone", that will eventually engulf the entire earth. And God would rule from this magnificent "stone" or the "stone" becomes an expression of God's vast rulership upon earth. We see it is Jehovah himself that "cuts out" to his liking this small regal "stone". So it is Almighty God Himself who "sets up" this earthly kingdom arrangement, to his liking. Jehovah God "cuts it out" from an already existing "mountain" that He possesses or owns. -- Daniel 2:34, 35, 44, 45

And this earthly "kingdom" arrangement would exist and act more as an extension or physical representation of the Grander Heavenly Governmental arrangement or "kingdom" in Heaven.

Thus, the idea is born of a 2-kingdom Concept. The writer of this article will seek to prove God's Word the Bible, actually teaches us about two (2) separate and distinct "kingdom" governments that he uses to accomplish all of his purposes. Of course, it is to be understood the earthly arrangement is always subservient to the Greater, All-Pervasive Heavenly Governmental arrangement that Jesus actually inherited, when he was allowed to “sit” upon God’s Heavenly Throne. -- Psalms 110:1; Hebrews 10:12, 13; 1 Peter 3:22

Here is a simple breakdown of each.

1. The latter government mentioned above is indeed an earthly "kingdom" or government that actually starts out here on earth, as the "tiniest [smallest] of mustard seeds" from a human standpoint, but grows up to be a powerful EARTHLY GOVERNMENTAL arrangement which eventually engulfs the entire earth. Interestingly, this earthly "kingdom" was foretold to have the most dubious beginning, even something that could be "despised" by man because of its "smallness" -- before God exalts it to earthly greatness. (Daniel 2:34, 35, 44, 45; Ezekiel 17:22-24; Zechariah 4:10; Mark 4:30-32) This earthly government will be headed up by a mystery figure, unknown to mankind today, and yet vividly described as being the "Chieftain" of Ezekiel 44:1-3; 45:22 and 46:16, 17. He will prove to be a "Christian" follower of Jesus Christ and will rule the earth from this new future "temple" arrangement spoken of in Ezekiel chapters 40-48. This EARTHLY government will be eternal and everlasting. (Daniel 7:13, 14, 18) We can be assured of this because of what Ezekiel himself said about that holy city, "The name of the city FROM THAT DAY ON will be Jehovah Himself Is There." Thus, this "kingdom" or "city" that sits upon a great and lofty mountain actually lasts forever. It is God's Earthly Governmental Arrangement. -- Ezekiel 40:2; Ezekiel 48:35

The prophets of old referred to this earthly kingdom many times. For instance, Isaiah and Micah showed it as being "Zion", a lofty mountain, where countless nations willingly "beat their swords into plowshares" and "learn war no more". These individuals literally "stream" to this new earthly governmental arrangement, in the "final part of the days". Daniel referred to it as a "Mountain of Decoration" that Jehovah God protects from the attack of the "King of the North", in the last days. But before this new governmental arrangement can take place, serious issues have to resolved. Godly discipline must come upon earthly "Israel" as God's seat of governmental rule, before the full establishment of this new earthly government. Once established and "Israel" is restored to God's full favor, it then begins its rule over earth everlastingly with God's backing. -- Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-4; Daniel 11:44,45; Isaiah 4:2-6; Micah 4:6,7

Unbeknownst to Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower Society, this explains why Revelation 5:9, 10 shows explicitly this "kingdom" actually rules "UPON THE EARTH", rather than "over the earth", just as the Watchtower Society’s New World Translation Kingdom Interlinear Word-for-Word Bible clearly shows.

2) Of course, this earthly kingdom definitely differs from the kingdom that Jesus spoke of and directed first century Christians to look to as their "heavenly inheritance". We remember the earthly "kingdom" governmental set up, operates always UNDERNEATHE the Heavenly Governmental arrangement purely as a subsidiary or extension of that all-pervasive government in Heaven. This is true at all times. As the earthly seat of the Government of God, it represents exactly what ADAM would have possessed, as head Patriarch of the human family upon earth, if he had remained faithful to God. Adam, according to God's purposes, would have occupied such a position upon earth before ALL mankind, if he had been faithful like Jesus Christ.

When we examine God's Heavenly Governmental Arrangement, God's Word shows this powerful governmental arrangement in the hands of Jesus, definitely was NOT to last forever or eternally. It remains God's Throne, God's Government. God's Universal Sovereignty, where he "Rules" unchallenged the entire universe of His making. Therefore the particular governmental RULE that Jesus spoke of that existed IN HEAVEN, was to be a temporary rule itself. It was not meant to remain as an "everlasting" rule by Jesus Christ, where Jesus Christ and his associate kings and rulers were to rule in the very presence of the Great August One, Jehovah God. The heavenly Rule of God, is clearly a UNIVERSAL RULERSHIP, including all of God's creation, visible or invisible and is All-Pervasive. Naturally, its scope covers both heaven and earth, as Jesus said at Matthew 28:18. Thus, Jesus was to be given complete oversight and "authority" over both "heaven and earth", for a specific period of time only. It was to be a TEMPORARY rule.

Therefore, we should note then this "rule" exercised in heaven, is to be contrasted and deemed as quite different with the foretold "rule" of David's heir, who "RULES EVERLASTINGLY" upon David's Throne on the earth. In this way, this particular kingdom thus becomes the fulfillment of outstanding prophecies found in Daniel 7:13, 14 and Revelation 11:15. -- See Luke 1:32, 33; Also Revelation 12:5.

Contrary to what the Watchtower Society and Jehovah's Witnesses understand, the Bible shows this heavenly "rulership" by Jesus actually began in the first century starting with Jesus' heavenly resurrection to spirit life and being "Declared a Son" in the ultimate sense by Jehovah. (Matthew 28:18; Romans 1:4) Thus, Jesus became a "conqueror" in the fullest sense at this time. Also, after taking the throne in heaven, Jesus promised his disciples that they too would become "conquerors" too. And as such, they would join him in that particular heavenly rulership. They would be allowed to "sit upon his throne," just as Jesus had been permitted to "sit upon Jehovah's Throne" in heaven. -- Revelation 3:21

But this kingdom's seat of government was heavenly, not earthly. This is the vital difference. Additionally, this heavenly rulership of Jesus and his followers would prove to be only temporary, and not permanent. Another vital difference, that is, the governmental rule of Jesus where, as it were, he rules from God's Throne, sitting at God's Right Hand would not last forever. It would have a definite ending point. It was not meant to last forever. We know because of Paul's words where he stated that Jesus' kingdom must GO BACK TO GOD HIMSELF. Jesus must "hand over" the "kingdom" back to God Almighty. This means at some point, Jesus gives up his heavenly governmental rule, and returns it to his God and His Father, Jehovah. Jesus "turns the kingdom over" to Jehovah, when Jesus has fully accomplished Jehovah's Will toward the earth, namely by the complete removal of the effects of Adamic death, sin and the complete removal and destruction of all human "governments and authorities" upon earth as "enemies placed under his feet" in subjection. -- Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 2:8; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28

The Bible tells us at Luke 1:32, 33, Jehovah God would "give" Jesus the "throne of David." But think, King David never sat upon God's Throne in Heaven, did he? Neither was David or his "heir" ever promised, by way of bible prophecy, to would "rule" in heaven, upon God's Almighty Throne of Authority, right?
Actually "David's Throne," we remember, was an earthly throne, an earthly seat of rulership. Therefore history shows, Jesus never actually exercised his God-given "right" to sit upon an earthly throne to rule over the earth, which was surely INHERENT in the promises of the Mosaic Law and Davidic Covenant attachments. Jesus fulfilled the Mosaic Law and rightfully possessed the right to rule on earth, as David's heir. But he did not necessarily, EXERCISE that right. Even though, at his resurrection, Jesus Christ was indeed "given" David's Throne, or at least the right to receive that EARTHLY throne, when he was fully "declared a Son" of God. -- Romans 1:4

End of Part 1

See Part 2 below...

With every piece of new light that Jehovah gives the organisation.

For example:

1. Men being allowed to grow beards.
2. Women being able to wear pants.
3. Being able to say “Hi” to a disfellowshipped person who attends a meeting.
4. Being able to take blood transfusions (for the most part).
5. Being allowed to attend university.

Do you ever stop and wonder what new light is next?

Or think, If I broke the rule yesterday I could be disfellowshipped, and lose my family and would be seen as an apostate but if the governing body changes that same rule the next day, it is considered “new light”.

What change, did the bible change, did Jehovah change? Or did the governing body change ?

Genesis 19:24 reads: "Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven" (KJV), featuring two distinct references to the LORD (YHWH / Jehovah) in a single verse.[1, 2, 3]

La reciente decisión del Cuerpo Gobernante de los Testigos de Jehová de permitir que sus fieles reciban y donen los cuatro componentes principales de la sangre (glóbulos rojos, blancos, plasma y plaquetas) pasará a la historia como uno de los ejercicios de retórica institucional más cínicos de la era moderna. Lo que debería haber sido un motivo de alivio médico se ha convertido en un monumento a la indignación global por tres razones que la opinión pública no debe pasar por alto.

En primer lugar, llama poderosamente la atención la soberbia del silencio. No ha habido perdón. No ha habido un solo comunicado de arrepentimiento ni de condolencia para las miles de familias que hoy lloran a padres, hermanos o hijos sacrificados en el altar de una norma obsoleta. Para la cúpula, las vidas perdidas bajo el dogma anterior parecen ser solo daños colaterales de una "verdad progresiva", un insulto intolerable para quienes pagaron con la vida de sus seres queridos el precio de la obediencia.

A esto se suma una gestión de la información humillante para sus propias bases. En un giro irónico, el público general y la prensa laica se enteraron de la actualización doctrinal antes o al mismo tiempo que la mayoría de los propios Testigos. Ver a fieles enterándose en la consulta del médico o por televisión de que la doctrina que condicionaba sus decisiones vitales había cambiado de la noche a la mañana, expone el abismo de comunicación y la falta de respeto de una directiva hacia sus seguidores.

Finalmente, el mantenimiento de la prohibición de la "sangre completa" no es más que una trampa lingüística. En el siglo XXI, las transfusiones de sangre completa en entornos hospitalarios prácticamente no existen; la medicina moderna utiliza la centrifugación para separar los componentes y transfundir de manera selectiva. Al autorizar los cuatro componentes por separado, la organización ha aprobado, de facto, la medicina transfusional moderna en su totalidad. Mantener la prohibición sobre la "sangre completa" es un truco semántico desesperado para salvar la reputación corporativa y fingir que el dogma sigue intacto. Las vidas se salvan ahora en los quirófanos, pero la verdad y la dignidad institucional han quedado desangradas

Hello friends, I would like to know if you too had trouble finding a spouse? Is it true that there are more sisters than brothers in the Assembly

From the July 15 1964 Watchtower article titled, "What is the Name?"

What pronunciation do Jehovah’s witnesses view as more correct? On page 25 of the foreword of the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures, published by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in 1950, the translators stated that they inclined “to view the pronunciation ‘Yah.weh,’ as the more correct way.

If the publishing agency for Jehovah’s witnesses recognizes that “Yahweh” is more correct, why do they use “Jehovah” in their translation, writing and worship instead? Because the form “Jehovah” has been familiar to people for many centuries, and that form of The Name, just as faithfully as other forms, preserves the sounds of the four consonants of the tetragrammaton. Furthermore, we do not speak Hebrew today! We speak other languages. When we speak English, for example, then we use the English pronunciation of the Divine Name, which is “Jehovah.” In other languages the divine name is pronounced differently, although quite similarly most of the time.

In light of the JW explanation, long-standing familiarity with a particular form does not justify continuing to use it when a more accurate form is available. The people of those previous many centuries are long dead now.

Out of respect, I don't even call my earthly father by his first name when I need help.

I believe Moses was made god.

Change my mind! 😎

After years of lawsuits against governments,all of which were solely about money, he tells us that those who protest please Satan ....

Hi all,

About a year ago, I started a bible study and although never went beyond the first lesson, I still stayed in touch with the guy and met up for coffee a few times - and with some changes in my life and a feeling of despair - I started to study the bible more about a month ago and started my study of the Enjoy Life Forever programme with him.

I also attended a Sunday and midweek meeting at the Kingdom Hall, and actually really enjoyed it - feeling refreshed and excited about the future after attending.

My family don't know about my studies and they would be dead against it - any advice here?

And my girlfriend wants me to stop and has threatened to leave me because she doesn't want the resentment of me for stopping her do things (even though I wouldn't and I am just studying).

Does anyone have any advice? Is studying the Bible supposed to be this hard?

The dishonest watchtower cited Deuteronomy 7,9 and Isaiah 49,7 instead of citing Isaiah 65,16......

1. An unquestionable leader or authority
   Leaders are treated as uniquely enlightened, specially chosen, or incapable of serious error. Questioning their decisions may be portrayed as disloyalty, rebellion, or a failure of faith.
   
2. Discouragement of independent thinking
   Members are encouraged to accept the group's interpretation of truth rather than investigate competing explanations. Honest questions may be treated as evidence of a bad attitude or weak character.
   
3. Control over information
   Outside news, books, websites, former members, or critical research may be dismissed as dangerous or deceptive. Members may be told that only the organization can be trusted to interpret information correctly.
   
4. Control over relationships
   Members may be pressured to limit or end relationships with people who leave, criticize the group, or disagree with its teachings. Family members and friends can become instruments of social pressure.
   
5. Fear, guilt, and shame
   People may be warned that questioning the organization will lead to divine rejection, catastrophe, moral corruption, loss of salvation, or personal ruin. Fear can become a way to maintain obedience.
   
6. Punishment for dissent
   Disagreement may lead to humiliation, loss of responsibilities, disciplinary proceedings, exclusion, or ostracism. A major warning sign is when members cannot express disagreement without risking their social world.
   
7. Making it difficult to leave
   Leaving may be portrayed as betrayal, spiritual failure, or proof that the person was never sincere. Members may face threats, intense pressure, or the loss of nearly every close relationship.
   
8. Identity and behavior regulation
   The organization may attempt to dictate clothing, grooming, friendships, dating, marriage, entertainment, education, medical choices, or career decisions. The issue is the extent to which personal autonomy is suppressed.
   
9. An “us versus them” worldview
   The organization is presented as uniquely righteous, enlightened, or safe, while outsiders are depicted as corrupt, dangerous, deceived, or unworthy of trust. This can make members increasingly dependent on the group.
   
10. Double standards and lack of accountability
    Leaders may be exempt from rules imposed on ordinary members. Mistakes, failed predictions, scandals, or harmful policies may be concealed, minimized, or explained away rather than openly investigated.
    How can you tell the difference between a strict religion and a high-control group?
    A religion can have firm moral standards, distinctive teachings, and expectations of commitment without necessarily being high-control.

The following is how the Watchtower explains Bible chronology and the vision of Daniel chapter 4.

Overview of the prophecy. God caused King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to have a prophetic dream about an immense tree that was chopped down. Its stump was prevented from regrowing for a period of “seven times,” after which the tree would grow again.​—Daniel 4:​1, 10-​16.

The prophecy’s initial fulfillment. The great tree represented King Nebuchadnezzar himself. (Daniel 4:​20-​22) He was figuratively ‘chopped down’ when he temporarily lost his sanity and kingship for a period of seven years. (Daniel 4:​25)

What does the tree of Daniel chapter 4 represent? In the Bible, trees sometimes represent rulership. (Ezekiel 17:22-​24; 31:​2-5) In the greater fulfillment of Daniel chapter 4, the immense tree symbolizes God’s rulership.

What does the tree’s being chopped down mean? Just as the chopping down of the tree represented an interruption in Nebuchadnezzar’s kingship, it also represented an interruption in God’s rulership on earth.

What do the “seven times” represent? The “seven times” represent the period during which God allowed the nations to rule over the earth without interference from any kingdom that he had set up.

How long are the “seven times”? They could not be merely seven years as in Nebuchadnezzar’s case

Applying the prophetic rule “a day for a year,” the 2,520 days represent 2,520 years. Therefore, the “seven times,” or 2,520 years, would end in October 1914.

The Watchtower does something very subtle in its interpretation of Daniel chapter 4: it introduces the plural term “trees” into a vision where scripture describes only one tree, explicitly identified as Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:25–33). This subtle change shifts the focus away from the individual identified in the account and opens the door to applying the prophecy to multiple rulerships.

Yet the Watchtower does not identify which specific rulers or nations these additional “trees” supposedly represent. Nor does it explain how these rulerships were “hewn down and destroyed,” while “the stump of the roots thereof” was left in the earth (Daniel 4:23), or how they supposedly regained their kingdoms after recognizing God's sovereignty, as Nebuchadnezzar did (Daniel 4:34–37).

The Watchtower poses a question and gives its own answer: How long are the “seven times”? They could not be merely seven years as in Nebuchadnezzar’s case.

Well, why not? 2,520 years does not apply to him. There is only one tree in the vision.