Chevy Spectrum Brake lights QUESTION???

Hey guys and gals, I know there is an electrical wizzard out here somewhere and I could sure use some help.
This is probably simple for the wiz but it has me completely baffled.

I have a 1985 Spectrum, 30K original miles and in great shape but it has NO BRAKE LIGHTS.
I bought the Chilton manual and checked the diagrams and have power all the way back to a relay in the raer drivers side tail light assembly.
The relay is called "Stop light failure relay". Chevy part number is 94124668 and it is made by Nipondenso # 068300-0030, 12V - 23W X 4.
Power goes in but it does not come out.
I bought a new one and still I have no lights. Believe me, I have power to the relay and from the pedal switch but no power gets thru this relay.
I don't know if the new relay is NG or if there is any way to test its function. I also don't know if this relay is necessary or if I could jump past it and get my brake lights working.
QUestions;
Is the relay necessary?
Will anything else be affected if I jump over it?
Is there a way to test if the two relays I have are in fact working or dead?

I have tested by jumping past the relay and the brake lights do work but I am not real sure if this is acceptable.
Any wizzards out here willing to take a stab at this one and pass along some info and help.
I am affraid to go buy another EXPENSIVE relay because electronic stuff is not returnable. If the new one I bought is NG then I already got beat.
There is also a possibility something else in the car electrics is causing immediate burn out of the relays so I am completely baffled.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks a bunch
Gary L