Who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a world wide religious organization founded by Charles Taze Russel in the late 1800’s. Currently there’s about 9 million people practicing the religion. The group is considered a high control, with leaders at the top known as the “Governing Body” which required strict obedience to their doctrines. These men teach that coming to accurate Biblical truth is not possible without their guidance or spiritual food. Each congregation, or Kingdom hall, is control by a body of elders, who act as judge and jury with each member. The religion claims to be Bible based, the one true religion, while all others are run by Satan. The majority their doctrines are taught through the Watchtower and Awake! magazine, created by the organization and read during every meeting and studies by each member.. When comparing their beliefs to the scripture, their false teaching can easily be exposed, however most Jehovah’s Witnesses will only believe the interpretation of the leaders, no matter what the Bible says.
The group emphasizes the name Jehovah, believing it to be God’s personal name. They hold their usage of the name, identifies them as the only true religion. They deny the Trinity doctrine, claiming it’s satanic, along with Hell and the immortal soul. Salvation, which breaks down to surviving Armageddon, is by faith and works, including door ministry, and strict obedience to the organization. They also believe Jesus began ruling invisibly in 1914, and soon after and chose the Jehovah’s Witnesses as his only channel to dispense “accurate knowledge” . This religion has a range of other doctrines, that each member must believe in uniformity or face expulsion. Due to their policy on refusing blood transfusions, shunning of family members, and mental control, they are one of the most dangerous cults in the world.
The Bible says to test all things, and the posts below do just that, test the legitimacy of the Jehovah’s Witness claims. As you’ll see, the evidence confirms, they are a false religion.
Testing the “Truth”
Any claim of truth must be tested. If a person asserts 1 + 1 = 3, we have the objective law of math behind us to prove they’re incorrect. The method by which truth is found can be seen throughout society and even scripture. Take a court case, there’s a judge, lawyers, evidence and eye witnesses accounts to confirm whether or not a matter is true. Let’s say there is a man on trial accused of robbing a bank, claiming to be innocent. If the defendant contends, “I’m innocent, because I’m always right, and I’m always right because I said so,” that wouldn’t be a good look. If he couldn’t answer questions regarding his involvement, or his statements contradicted, the jury would rightfully find him guilty. This method of questioning and comparing is how the truth of the matter is resolved.
The Bible encourages believers to test the truth claims of Scripture, as well as anyone claiming to speak with Biblical authority. [1 Thessalonians 5:21Test all things; hold fast what is good.] Faith isn’t blind, but trust based on a reasonable examination of the evidence. Feelings can’t be involved, as the heart is deceitful. In the court example, I bet the mother of the defendant would claim he’s innocent, due to her feelings towards her son. However facts are more important than feelings, and truth should be everyone’s top priority, no matter how uncomfortable the outcome.
Jehovah’s Witnesses profess to be the truth, the one true religion, and all other are false. Therefore, we should be able to test them, whether a member or not. The Bible would encourage this, whether using the Bereans, or just outright Paul saying. Therefore, using reason, and the Bible has the objective rule ( as witnesses claim they do) we can test to see if the Jehovah’s Witnesses are the “Truth” as they claim. After analyzing, what you’ll find are logical inconsistencies, taking scripture out of context, circular reasoning and evidence that exposes them as a false religion.
What the Bible says
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The Trinity is false
Jehovah’s Witnesses will often say the Trinity can’t be true, because word “Trinity” isn’t in the Bible. The latter is true, but the concept is taught throughout the text. ( Not, the words Governing Body, or Kingdom Hall aren’t in scripture either, so by their logic…)
Getting down to it, does the Bible call the Father God? Yes. Does the Bible call Jesus God? Yes. [John 1:1-3] Does it say the Holy Spirit is God? Yes. [Acts 5:4] Yet there is only 1 God. Therefore God is one in essence or being, and 3 in person. A person is just something that has the attributes of personhood. The Trinity is the full revelation of YHWH and how he has chosen to reveal himself. The Father is God who sits outside of space and time, the Son is God who enters into our universe and took on flesh in the man of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is God who fills the universe with his presence, and indwells believers. The Bible is very clear that Jesus is Jehovah who became a man, fully God and fully human, to be the perfect sacrifice for mankind.
There are hundreds of verses that call Jesus God, showing he has all same character, attributes, nature and prerogatives of the one God. While many will claim Jesus never said the words “I am God,” he in fact says something better. He identifies himself with the one true God of the Hebrews. For instance, in John 10:27-29, Christ words are the same as YHWH’s from the Old Testament. [Psalm 95:7, Duet 32:39]. He’s claiming him and the Father God are one, granting eternal life and salvation, yet this belongs to YHWH alone. The Pharisees knew this, hence why they tried to stone him, saying “You are a man, making yourself out to be God.”[John 10:33]. In Hebrews 1:8-12, the writer is quoting Psalm 102:24-28. The passage in Psalms is meant for YHWH alone, yet it’s applied to Jesus. Either the writer is guilty of blasphemy, or Jesus is God. Isaiah 9:6 would be another clear instance, calling the Messiah the Mighty God. This is what YHWH is called in Isaiah 10:21. Witnesses use a ridiculous argument, stating Jehovah is Almighty, but Jesus is only might. The root of these Hebrew words are not comparative, they speak to God’s sovereignty and his strength. They’re actually using the English translation to prove their false doctrine.
These are only a few example of that Witness leadership’s distortion of this truth. They have misquoted scholars, perverted the New World Translation, and misrepresent the Trinity doctrine constantly.
“What about the trinity doctrine of three gods in one..,” – Watchtower 1963 8/15 pp. 485-488
In their most famous twisting of John 1:1 saying the Word was a god. The accusation of Paganism falls flat after any amount of research, and neglect teaching all the early church fathers said Jesus was God. This is all done to remove the deity and importance of Christ. They demote Jesus, to promote themselves as the Way, the Truth and the Life. Paul warned Christians they shouldn’t believe in a false Jesus, as one who isn’t God, comes from someone’s imagination, and can’t save you.
What the Bible says:
- Titus 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
- Philippians 2:6 who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God something to be grasped
- Colossians 2:9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily
- 2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ:
- John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”
- Revelation 22:12-13 And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
No Immortal Soul
I must keep this short and simple. There is no immortal soul, and the Bible doesn’t teach that either. However there is a spirit, something Jehovah’s Witness leadership seems to have disregarded. The issue here derives from today’s culture, as the words soul and spirit are interchangeably. This is not the case with the Bible. In Scripture, the Soul (psuché)is the essence of a person’s emotions, desires, and personal will, the seat of individual identity, personality, and life. It can denote the whole person, particularly in terms of one’s life and character. However the Spirit (pneuma)represents the immaterial and eternal part of a human that relates directly to God. Paul explains the body is a tent, housing the real us. When we die, that goes to be with God.
2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
The biggest issue; if you are only matter, ( As Jehovah’s witnesses believe) and nothing immaterial, therefore when you die, all your thoughts will vanish and your consciousness will be gone forever. Your resurrection will be only a clone with your memories, but your own awareness will have died and dissipated into an eternal void. Therefore, everyone who has ever died, will never experience anything ever again, only their copy will. So much for hope.
What the Bible Says:
- Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it.
- 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
- Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The Earthy Class/Great Crowd
Those who don’t go to heaven will be live on a paradise earth for the millennial reign of Christ. This doctrine is an insult to the message of the Bible for many reasons. First, this isn’t the promise of eternal life, as the billions of unbelievers resurrected, or Jehovah Witnesses that survive Armageddon, must maintain a good standing with God if they want to continue living on a paradise earth.
This is a 1000 years of judging, therefore the promise of eternal life for those who’ve repented and followed Christ, comes with a hidden addendum. These issues continue when their teachings are compared to the Bible, especially when the Jehovah’s Witness doctrine is explicit, that no one from before Christ will be in heaven. Here’s where the contradictions start to amount.
David said he would dwell in the house of Jehovah forever[Psalm 23:6]. Was David wrong? This was the same promise Jesus gave is disciples, who Jehovah’s Witnesses say are not earthly class, but anointed. This get’s worse when Matthew 8:11 says that Abraham and other prophets of old would be dinning in heaven. This belief is simply an bad patch job on a gapping hole in the religion. This is mainly held up by Old Testament passages about concerning he righteous dwelling on the earth. However reason could then ask, does this imply the anointed aren’t righteous? Also, don’t the unrighteous dwell on this earth when they are resurrected? These passages should be read in context, and when you consider heaven and earth are joined at the end of time, it all fits, making their proof texts invalid.
Their most famous go to support this great crowd belief is Matthew 5:5, and rather ironically, this speaking about earth as an inheritance, what they’ll receive and reign over. However, according to Jehovah Witness doctrine, this inheritance comes only for being an heir with Christ, belonging only to the anointed class, not the great crowd. Therefore the verse they use as evidence, does the contrary. If that’s not bad enough, this “Great crowd” witnesses speak of ( which is gentiles ), each time they’re mentioned, in both cases they are in heaven. [Revelation 19:1,Revelation 7:9] These scriptures are ignored, and while so obvious they reveal where the average Jehovah’s Witness focuses is pointed; the Watchtower magazine, not God’s Word.
What the Bible says:
- Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of YHWH Forever.
- Matthew 8:11 And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
- Revelation 7:9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
- Revelation 19:1 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!
The Anointed Class
Jehovah’s Witnesses refer to these as the 144,000 of those who will reign with Christ over paradise earth. They’re the only Christians Born Again, Children of God, Saints, Brothers of Christ, and “in union” with Jesus. However the Bible says all Christians are anointed with the Holy Spirit, not a special class. This was created by the organization to justify the soul interpretation of the leaders, basically claiming, “One can not understand the Bible without being gifted with Holy Spirit, and only a few people, like the governing body have Holy Spirit.” It also creates an issue, as if you’re not a child of God, ( only the anointed class ) then you’re the child of the devil. In addition, Paul says in Galatians 4, that those who cry Abba Father ( only the anointed class ) are children of the free woman, everyone else, it children of the slave woman. This is bad news as the context is speaking of those who aren’t saved. A common Witness rebuttal is “who will reign over the earth?” You can reign without there being humans to govern. Adam and Eve ruled over creation, there were no other humans.
What the Bible Says:
- Mark 3:35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”
- John 6:40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
- 1 John 3:10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
- John 3:7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
Door to Door ministry
Door to door ministry is what Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for. This tactic is taken from door to door sales that were popularized in the early 20th century. It’s a cheap method to try and get attention, and usually reserved for high pressure strategies and catching people off guard. Door knocking is one way to evangelize, but not the only method. There are thousands of ways to spread the message, and many far more effective. This is why many religions outpace Jehovah’s Witnesses and don’t go house to house proselytizing. This also isn’t specific to the religion. Mormons door knock, as well the Baha’i Faith and Seventh-day Adventists. Witnesses will claim this is what Jesus demanded, but this is factually incorrect. When he commanded his disciples to go into homes in towns, this wasn’t door to door, but finding a friendly haven where they could stay for the evening. In the Acts of the early church, when the writer mentions believers going house to house, this is referring to different meeting locations. At this time, Christianity was illegal, and the meetings areas would move from home to home. Philemon 1:2 refers to a church that met in a house.
This is still practiced by Jehovah’s Witnesses for being a safe and controlled form of evangelism, at near zero cost to the organization. Witnesses don’t use community outreach, or formal debating, as it’s a uncontrollable environment. There is nothing sinful about going door to door, but claiming real Christians should preform this work, is based on a lie.
What the Bible Says:
- Luke 10:7 Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.
- Philemon 1:2 to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house
- Acts 2:46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
Two classes of Christian
The concept that there are two hopes, or two classes of Jehovah’s Witnesses is a manufactured doctrine created in 1935 by Joseph Rutherford. None of the early church fathers ever spoke on this concept, and using the Watchtower’s own material it’s painfully obvious how this came about. It’s a fact that Charles Taze Russel and his predecessor Rutherford believed only 144,000 people would survive Armageddon and be saved.
It’s also true, both these men predicted and believed the end of the world was happening in 1914, which was then changed to 1918 and 1925. During that time, a number of only 144,000 saved was acceptable. However, when the end didn’t arrive, the numbers of Witnesses grew beyond that number. There was no doctrine explaining who was, and wasn’t apart of the saved. During a Jehovah’s Witness convention, Rutherford announced the two class system, explaining there was a great crowd that would reside on earth. Not only is this unbiblical, but an apparent fix to cover-up their false predications. This quick patch job wasn’t thought out, leaving glaring holes. This fact leaves the Witness leadership with no choice but to force their own bias interpretation everywhere.
In John 10:16, Jesus is speaking about Jews and Gentiles. Christ came for the Jews first, and among his sheep ( all followers) they were a small flock that would become greater. As this verses says, they would be one fold, with one shepherd. The witness response defense is illogical, claiming this verse must be interpreted as two groups, since that doctrine is true. What is the evidence for the doctrine, that verse. Leadership is using their own interpretation as evidence.
Luke 12:32 is also used, as Witnesses claim this “little flock” are the anointed. Again, this is read into the text. Jesus is using a term of endearment, and again referring to them as jews. There’s nothing stopping someone for saying this “little flock” is only the apostles, and no one else. There is nothing linking this too a special class, or the 144,000 that will only see heaven. Another is Matthew 19:28, however the context, the disciples are asking what they’ll receive. Christ’s response, they’ll sit on twelve thrones, however he goes on to say that anyone who has sacrificed for him with receive a hundred fold more. He then gives a parable in Matthew 20:1-16, explaining no matter how much someone has done for the Kingdom, there will all receive the same reward. All believers receive what God has promised, eternal life with him, and inheritance kept in heaven for you.
What the Bible says:
- John 10:16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.
- John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
- Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;
The Name Jehovah
The staple of the religion is their usage of the name Jehovah. The Witnesses will claim this separates them from other religions by their use of the divine name. This has led to false statements, such as claiming other churches don’t use the name of God, or tried to hide the name. This is a lie. Ironically the name Jehovah isn’t God’s personal name. It was created by Christians, in the 15th century. It is a Latinized word from combining YHWH, with Adonai(Lord). No ancient Hebrew or early Christian ever spoke the word “Jehovah”. To make matters worse, there is no “J” sound in either Hebrew, Greek, or Aramaic. Throughout history, God’s people would call him Adonai, Elohim, Ha Shem(The Name) and many more. These facts are ignored, yet still, used as evidence they the one true religion. As the Watchtower has said…
“The important thing is to use God’s name according to its conventional pronunciation in our own language” – JW.org, The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever
Why is that important? This is absurd, and not found in scripture, but simply the leadership inventing a rule. It’s been instituted among the members, you must know the name “Jehovah”, if you are to be saved. Yet this is not what the early church taught, the emphasis almost entirely on Jesus. Looking at the entirety of the New Testament, in matters of the faith, Jesus takes front and center constantly.
In Acts 4:18 the Pharisees were threatening the apostles not for teaching about Jehovah, but Jesus. Though all this is true, a Witness will assert that you can’t have a relationship with someone without knowing and using their personal name. This is also incorrect for anyone who’s used the words Mom or Dad, honestly you’d be hard pressed to find someone with a great relationship with their parents, yet uses their personal name. Even Biblically, Jesus never called his Father Jehovah, just like Christ’s disciples never used Jesus’s personal name, but referred to him as teacher, rabbi or Lord. While the religion will pride itself on being Jehovah Witnesses, and claims to be fully Bible based, Jesus made it clear real Christians are witnesses of him [Acts 1:8].
What the Bible Says:
- Acts 4:12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
- Philippians 2:9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,
- Psalm 16:2 O my soul, you have said to the LORD, “You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You.”
- Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
The Faithful Slave
In the Jehovah’s Witness faith, there is no scripture, more overused than Matthew 24:45-51, speaking of the faithful and discreet slave. This requires me to be extremely blunt. This isn’t a prophecy, it’s a parable. How do we know it’s a parable? Everything said by Jesus directly after are also parables, the ten virgins, the servants and talents both of which are a part of the same conversation, the same theme, being wise and alert while the master is gone. After these are symbolic stories and illustrations using familiar, everyday elements as examples. Jesus starts by answering their question in Matthew 24, explains that he’ll come when they don’t expect, then presents three illustrations, and finishes by a direct explanation regarding those who listened to the Master, and those who didn’t.
The only people claiming Matthew 24:45 is prophecy, claim it’s about themselves. Anyone can manipulate scripture to say whatever you want, especially when you give grant yourself the authority. To contrast, if someone is to say “The Faithful slave is a parable about being wise and ready for Christ’s return.” Notice how this is incredibly reasonable, except the Jehovah’s Witness leaders disagree for one very good reason. If this is a parable, the entire religion falls apart. So the “Truth” is held up by their own interpretation, giving them the authority to assert their interpretation is correct. This is circular reasoning and a logical fallacy, proving it to be false. Therefore, the entire religion is built on a fallacy.
Why at Bible says:
- Luke 12:41 Then Peter said to Him, “Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?”
- Jude 1:4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny our only Lord Jesus Christ.
- Psalm 146:3 Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.
1914
If Christ didn’t return in 1914, then he didn’t examine all religions, he didn’t choose the faithful slave, therefore there is no spiritual food or organization, and the religion is false. Simply put, if this event did happen, Jehovah’s Witnesses are the one true faith we should all join, if not they are a false religion and should be avoided. So how can anyone by sure? Is there evidence for Jesus’s invisible kingly presence in 1914? No. Is there evidence for 1914 in the Bible? No. Should anyone believe this? Nope. This all boils down to “Because the leaders say it happened, it happened.”
Witnesses will point to WWI as the turning point. However, that’s subjective thinking, there have been many wars, before and after, that equally impacted the world and in a greater manner. Their evidence in regards to scripture, is only crafted numerology, and self interpretation of prophecy. They combine unrelated texts throughout the Bible to construct a story that isn’t true.
Another they are careful to use is the prediction of the Bible students. They will assert that the early Jehovah Witnesses knew 1914 would be the invisible presence of Christ ahead of time. This is a lie. They believed the world was ending in October of 1914, then changed it to 1915, 1918, and beyond. Ultimately, there is no evidence for 1914, this is simply chosen year by the organization, while trying to cover up their false predictions. Regarding the Nebuchadnezzar prophecy in Daniel 4, the Jehovah’s Witness’s have stated “The Bible indicates it would have two fulfilments.” No it doesn’t! This is interjected to create a second fulfillment, and craft a 1914 timetable. Daniel 4:22 explains this prophecy was fulfilled, and does not indicate a greater fulfillment. Not all prophecies have greater fulfillments, those that do, are confirmed by scripture, not by interpretation.
To further destroy this doctrine, Jehovah’s Witnesses will use Ezekiel 4:6 “A day for a year.” and claim this is a rule. No NO! This is not a biblical rule, they’re just saying it is. This passage in context has Ezekiel going through man! This scripture is fully unrelated. If this was applied to Daniel 8:14, or John 2:19-22, or a host of others, the Bible would collapse. The most heinous part of this numerology is taken from Revelation 12:6, regarding the 1260 days. This is mostly likely talking about the early church’s oppression under Emperor Nero, however Jehovah’s Witnesses teach this isn’t 1260 days but 2520 years. This is a perfect example of changing the words of Revelation, and an action God doesn’t take lightly.
What the Bible Says:
- Matthew 24:26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it.
- Daniel 4:33 “That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.
- Revelation 12:6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she *had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for 1,260 days.
Jesus is Michael the Archangel
The concept that Jesus and Michael being the same being didn’t come about until 1858. This was created by Ellen G. White, revealed in “The Great Controversy,” her book filled with flawed reasoning, unbiblical conclusions, and false prophecies. She helped plant the Adventist movement in the 19th century to which Charles Taze Russell was a part of. During his time within the church, he absorbed many of their twisted beliefs, and carried them over to the religion he created. One of which is Jesus being Michael the Archangel. Nothing in the Bible supports this position, and only the result of reading pre-conceived ideas into the text. Scripture teaches, Michael is an angel, and leader of other heavenly beings. Jesus is the Son of God, and has charge over the angels [Matthew 16:27]. Jesus is the president, Michael is a general. Both can go into war, and both have charge, but are NOT the same person. Witnesses will use verses like 1 Thessalonians 4:16 that Jesus has the voice of an archangel. However this is reading their own interpretation into the scripture. This passage is easily read as a metaphor, highlighting the intensity of Christ’s voice. This is not to be taken literal, just as Jesus isn’t an actual lamb, or a door. Revelation 1:15 says Jesus has the voice like many waters, but he isn’t white water rapids. At other points, the name of Jesus is read in where the text clearly reads Michael. This is not only absurd, but a violation of God’s law, changing the words of his book. The Bible also very directly says Jesus isn’t an angel in Hebrews 1:5-6. In Jude 1:9, Michael dared not challenge the devil. However, Jesus is said to have created everything, including the devil. Since when does the creator, not have authority over it’s creation?
This Jehovah’s Witness belief is another sad attempt to explain their false doctrines. If Jesus pre-existed his time on earth, who was he then? The Bible says he was the divine Word, who was and is God. Witnesses need to change this, making him a spirit creature, and demoting the nature of Christ.
What the Bible says:
- John 1:3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
- Hebrews 1:5-6 For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You”? And again: “I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son”? 6 But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.”
- Daniel 10:13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.
- Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
Jehovah Uses an Organization
Has God always used people to accomplish his purpose? Mostly yes. Does that mean he’s always used an organized group with a hierarchy similar to most corporations? No. However, this is what Jehovah’s Witnesses want their members to believe. The org is more than just a body of believers, but exaggerated to being the equivalent of noah’s ark, the only place for protection and salvation.
“They must appreciate that identifying themselves with Jehovah’s organization is essential to their salvation.” Kingdom Ministry 1990 Nov p.1
The excuse commonly used is “Jehovah is organized, so he uses an organization.” This is just semantics and nothing more. Why not claim your organization is invisible and say, “Jehovah is spirit, so the people he uses are also spirits.” The issue comes when comparing these Jehovah’s Witnesses proclamations to scripture. Much of Witness lingo is directed to make God synonymous with the group, if you’ve left them, you’ve left Jehovah. Another phrase is “Jehovah has always used an organization,” First, this isn’t true, Abraham wasn’t part of an organization. In addition, apparently there wasn’t an organization after the apostles until Charles Russel. What Jehovah’s Witnesses leadership fails to mention, in every case where there was a leadership structure, like the Israelites, or for the sake of argument, the early church, all of these failed. The Israelites, Moses or the Kings, worshiped other Gods, and the early church all went apostate ( according to witnesses). It seems when God uses an organization to fulfill his purpose, they turn bad. Yet people could test Moses, the prophets and the apostles to see if they were living according to God’s standards, however in today’s organization, testing is not allowed.
The real heart of the matter; nothing in the Bible says that someone must join a group of people to be saved. Witnesses will try and use verses like Hebrews 10:25, teaching, “do no neglect meeting together.” However writer does not say, salvation is dependent on this meeting. Having a body of believers is important for spiritual growth, but not essential, as that belongs only to Jesus. The Bible does say where salvation comes from, and it’s not a where but a who. A common saying in the religion is “Where else would you go?” This is an attempt to sound biblical and immediate the words of Christ, but the rhetorical question given by Peter, affirms eternal life is only in a who, Jesus.
What the Bible says:
- Hebrews 7:25 “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”
- Hebrews 10:25, where is say “do no neglect meeting together” the writer does not say, salvation is dependent on this. Having a body of believers is important for spiritual growth, but not essential, as that belongs only to Jesus.
- John 6:68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
- John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
The Light Gets Brighter
“The light gets brighter” as Witnesses will say. A common saying and excuse on why their beliefs change so rapidly. However, there is nothing in scripture to support this excuse. Jehovah’s Witness leaders claim it is progressive revelation, but that too is incorrect. Progressive revelation would be uncovering more facts on a matter, but they don’t contradict.
For instance, imagine someone saying. “Tomorrow, I’m going to dinner at an Italian restaurant.” Then later, “Tomorrow I’m going to dinner at an Italian restaurant on the west side of town at 7:00pm.” Then again, “Tomorrow I’m going to dinner at an Italian resurrection at 7:00pm and having spaghetti, bread, and red wine.” Notice the original truth didn’t change, they were still going to dinner at an Italian restaurant tomorrow.
However, if later it is said, “Tomorrow I’m having dinner at a Chinese restaurant on the east side of town at 7:00pm and having rice and chicken.” The truth now contradicts, meaning the statement before wasn’t accurate or true.
This is fine for dinner plans, but NOT when it comes to God. Changing the accurate truth is evidence God’s truth wasn’t there to begin with. God can’t contradict himself, and neither does his Word the Bible (though many will claim it does). Some truths may be expanded, but the foundation remains the same. This isn’t the case with Witnesses, as the leaders teach there is only ONE way to worship God correctly, or pure worship. Their “accurate teachings” have been heavily altered over the years, mainly because the leaders over time aren’t in harmony with each other, aren’t of one mind, and are not listening to God. Charles Taze Russel would be considered an apostate by today’s standards.
A popular example, is the generation of 1914 of who wouldn’t see the end. After nearly 80 years, this became an overlapping generation.
Accurate truth: the generation alive during 1914 would see the end.
Update: the generation alive during 1914 would NOT see the end.
This isn’t progressive, this is inverted, strictly to cover up their false prediction. To excuse this away, they’ll quote scripture like Proverbs 4:18, but this ripped out of context. Reading just a few verses before or after, reveal Solomon is speaking about good life choices, and certainty not progressive knowledge. Another used is Daniel 12:4 “Seal up the words of this book until the time of the end.” This is used by every cult that changes their doctrines or has some new revelation. This is flawed for one very good reason. “This Book” refers to the book of Daniel. Much of Jehovah’s Witness doctrine comes from other parts of the Bible. Also Daniel is referring to the time of the Messiah, not the end of the world. Doesn’t matter what they use, it’s all to cover up the fact that truth doesn’t change, these men shouldn’t be followed and their flipflopping doctrines are evidence enough.
Why the Bible says:
- Proverbs 4:18-19 But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble.
- Jude 1:3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
The Torture Stake
Does it matter what Jesus died on? No. So why is this important? Because truth matters, and what Jehovah’s Witnesses have taught about the cross isn’t true. Let me be clear, there is no evidence Jesus died on a torture stake. Zero. None. Zip. Nada. Bupkis. Did I mention there isn’t a shred of evidence? Witnesses will try to say it’s because the word “stauros” in Greek means pole. Which is true, but also means a cross, which they ignore. There’s a simple question; did the cross exist in the 1st century? Yes. What Greek word was used? Stauros. The Jehovah’s Witnesses argument is invalid.
They’ll also try and use “xylon” however this just refers to anything made of wood. For instance, Acts 16:24, this word is used for stocks. They’ll try and connect this to trees, but last I checked, trees have branches. They don’t stop being trees because they have wood coming from the side. There’s a few other problems. John said there were 2 nails. If it were a stake, it would be one. Also Matthew 27:37 says the sign was above his head, not hands. Christ died in 6 hours, medically a torture stake would have killed him sooner, this is why the Romans added the cross bar. Another, Jesus had to carry his cross. It would have been too heavy if it was a solid wood stake capable of holding him upright and on display, therefore he carried the cross beam. You also have Tertullian, writing the cross was “T” shaped, and the Alexamenos graffito, mocking the crucifixion. This “torture stake” was an idea taken from radicles in the 19th century, then adopted by the organization until the 1930’s, for very simple reasons. It’s an easy way to point the finger at Christians, giving the illusion all churches are marked by this evil symbol, and discrediting anyone who wears a crucifix. The pagan argument is also absurd, as there are many pagan symbols, and some look like a cross, which is a very simple shape. This doesn’t remove the historical fact that Jesus died on a cross. Christians like myself, do not worship the cross, bow to it, or belief it has some power. It is a reminder of what Christ died, and the penalty for my sin.
What the Bible Says:
- John 20:25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
- Matthew 27:37 And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Unity
What’s more important, truth or unity? This might be a difficult question for Jehovah’s Witnesses, as the unity of the congregation is of crucial significance. The problem comes in what Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the Bible mean by unity are different. Unity is characterized by shared goals, mutual support, being joined or working together for a common purpose. The people in Israel had unity, the apostles had unity, the early church had unity; people from all nations and backgrounds focused on one objective, spreading the gospel. However with Witnesses, it’s not just a common goal, but complete uniformity. On matters of doctrine, they’re all to think exactly the same. Even on the smallest inconsequential topic, to disagree with the organization is an act of apostasy.
However this wasn’t happening in the early church, which we can see from the Bible. In Romans 14:1-3, Paul mentions there is division between beliefs on deity laws. This wasn’t just an outside of the faith opinion, but believed what you ate played a significant role in one’s religion. Just a few verses in Romans 14:5 Paul says, “One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike”. This is speaking of people with different opinions on matters considered important to God, and most likely speaking of the Jewish festivals. Paul didn’t seem to care, and would be categorized as non-essentials. What you eat, and what you celebrate have nothing to do with your relationship with God.
There are essential doctrines, and non-essential. Essentials would be doctrines such as the nature of God, Jesus, salvation, the Bible, everything pertaining to someone’s eternal destination that’s been laid out in his Word. Whether the earth was created in 6 literal days, 6 million, or guided by evolution, doesn’t matter as long as God is the creator. Are the fate’s of all humankind predestined by God? Does 666 refer to Nero, or a UPC code? These are non-essentials, and someone’s differing opinion on the matter doesn’t affect their salvation or the brotherly love between Christians. This must be the case. If God requires uniformity, that would imply there’s a man, telling others what they must believe if they are to receive God’s mercy. Now the Bible stops being the source of truth, instead given over to an imperfect man. Now there’s another mediator of truth, one that can not be questioned or tested. This is not how the apostles or anyone in the early church presented themselves. Squashing this concept of uniformity is Acts 17:11, when the Berean Jews, tested Paul with Scripture to see if what he was saying was true. However, that’s the job of the Holy Spirit, not a self appointed person claiming to be the truth. This enters back into the circular argument. “You can’t understand the Bible without us, God told us so, and you can’t test this, because you can’t understand the Bible without us…” Witnesses would point to their Governing Body, but as shown, there is no scriptural proof any Christian must submit themselves fully to 11 men in New York. This twisted form of unity is how cults like the Jehovah’s Witnesses maintain absolute thought control over every member, all while claiming it’s what God wants, and a sign they’re the truth.
What the Bible says:
- Romans 14:5-6 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.
- Colossians 3:14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
- Acts 17:11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
Death Pays for Sin
What happens to those who died long ago and didn’t know God? Asking Paul, he wrote anyone living a sinful life, is storing up wrath for themselves.[Romans 2:5] Since all have sinned and fallen short,[Romans 3:23] and Jesus said even looking with lust is committing adultery,[Matthew 5:28] therefore, we’re all dead in our sin.[Eph. 2:1] Furthermore, Paul said these people, including ourselves, are without excuse.[Romans 1:20-21] Therefore, everyone from the time of Christ to the present time, who didn’t seek after him, repent and have their sins washed by him, are under condemnation. Dying in your sin, is one surefire way to be judged by Christ, to be found lacking, and under God’s holy wrath. Witnesses disagree, and have the view that death pays for one’s own sin. According to the religion, when you die, that act will pay the sin wage owed to God. So anyone who has every died, all their sin, whether murder, lying, heinous acts, other stuff that will get the site flagged, will not be held against you, since your death has paid the debt. So hypothetically, after committing genocide, one can wake up in a Paradise with a chance to earn eternal life. If that sounds wrong, it’s because it is. Jehovah’s Witnesses, in one of their most heinous acts of cherry picking, have taken Romans 6:7 and twisted it into the monster that it is. The context of that section is how our baptism unites us into his death, freeing us from sin and death. Another used by the group just further down is Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death,” however just reading the full verse proves this incorrect as well “ but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This is a contrast. If you sin, you die, if you give them to Christ, you live. Can’t be any easier. This belief of near universalism has been adopted like most sects and cults that have arisen in the last few hundred years claiming to have restored the true church.
When one claims they’ve “discovered true Christianity that was lost,” the obvious follow-up should be; “what happened to all those billions of people?” It’s not very attractive to claim they went to hell, quite unfair, therefore there was no punishment, everyone has a second chance. Hysterically there’s an exception, as people today need to be Jehovah’s Witnesses, or be killed forever. The reasoning falls apart quickly, and when compared to scripture, it crumbles. The truth is, everyone will be judged for what they did on earth [2 Cor. 5:10] You get one chance, not two, and God has designed the world so everyone has a chance to accept the good news or reject it. Only the righteous receive eternal life, the unrighteous…not so much.
What the Bible says:
- 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
- Romans 2:5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,
- Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,
God’s Name Removed from the Bible
Was the divine name YHWH removed from the Bible or hidden by Christians? Well you have a conversation with any Jehovah’s Witnesses, that will be a something they hold to be true, but this claim is nothing short of a lie. So then why isn’t YHWH translated as LORD in most Bibles today? This is for several reasons.
First, in the Hebrew context, someone’s name is about their character and nature, their true being. When God desires a people for his name, this doesn’t mean people who say “Jehovah” but people who recognize and worship his true nature and hold onto his promises.
Secondly, YHWH has a very specific meaning that speaks to his nature and as the self existing being. God tells Moses name is “Ehyeh Asher Ehyer”, meaning I AM WHO I AM, or I BE WHAT I BE. Jehovah’s Witnesses however teach God’s name is “I WILL BECOME WHAT I CHOOSE TO BECOME.” This is a very big problem, not just from Hebrew grammar, but also the word for choose, “bachar” is not found. So how does one get YHWH from this? Because “Ehyeh” is the verb “to be,” in the imperfect tense, which conveys both present and future actions or states. YHWH alludes to the different tenses of the verb; “Yihyeh, Hovey Hayah”, “He was, He is, He will be.”
The depth is intriguing, and therefore YHWH perfectly speaks to God’s unique nature, self-existence, eternal presence, and unchanging nature. However, this only works in Hebrew. Once you translate this to any other language you lose the meaning behind the structure of the word.
Thirdly, the Hebrews didn’t say his name out of respect, and a strict adherence to the law. They would only say YHWH 10 times a year during Yom Kippur. All other moments they would instead speak Adonai (Lord), Elohim,(God) or Ha Shem (The Name). Therefore, when the Hebrews scriptures were translated into Greek, it was tradition to leave it blank, write YHWH in Hebrew characters, or write LORD instead. To the Christian or the Jew, there’s no issue. They knew YHWH was their only Lord. They knew the name of God, not just YHWH, but more importantly his unique nature and character. This was not an attempt to hide or deceive, but a natural result of what happens as the Bible moves from one nation to all nations.
If Witnesses want to take the position of some nefarious motive, I would have to point out, does knowing God’s phonetic name save you? Or is it worshiping the true being of God? I would hope the latter, since there’s no Biblical precedent for the former and its borderline paganism.(i.e. Hare Krishna). Also, whether you call the Almighty, God, Lord, Father, Yahweh, Jehovah, Ha Sham, King of Kings, the Great I AM, I’m pretty sure the all power, all knowing God knows who you’re talking to.
What the Bible says:
- Psalm 8:1 O YHWH our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
- Exodus 3:14 And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”
- Psalms 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
Jesus Raised As A Spirit Creature
Fun fact, the phrase “Spirit Creature” is not found in the Bible, though you wouldn’t think so after reading a Watchtower. Jehovah’s Witnesses talk about “Spirit creatures” frequently, and describe them as essentially beings made of spirit, existing only in the spiritual realm. Even Jehovah many would say is one of these Spirit creatures, and speak as if they’re another race; a race anointed Christians will one day transform into, just like Jesus apparently. There is a problem, as this is not what the Bible teaches. Again, witnesses believe Jesus died, and didn’t rise from the dead, but became a spirit creature. His physical body still in the tomb, evaporated into gas.
This isn’t a commonly known belief, but one that is a slap in the face not only to the Bible, but Christianity as a whole. The Christian faith hinges on the historical moment when Jesus of Nazareth, though being executed by the Romans, walked out of his tomb a few days later. If that didn’t happen, pity the lot of them. The greatest miracle, the resurrection, was spiritual, and physical. Much like how Christ raised Lazarus, or rescued Jonah, Jesus was alive again in the same body, albeit a glorified body. Witnesses disagree, and instead of reading what the Bible says, stick to this spiritual resurrection for one reason only. Their thinking, “Spirit’s are invisible, so In 1914, when Jesus’s presence began, it was invisible, because he’s a spirit.” This is all to cover their false predictions, and claim Jesus really had a soft return, and you just can’t see him. This is debunked by the very words of Christ. “A spirit does not have flesh and bone as I do. [Luke 24:39]
Think about this logically. “Did Jesus know what a Spirit was? Yes. Did he confirm Spirits had no flesh and bone? Yes. Did say he HAD flesh and bone? Yes. Therefore Jesus is not a spirit. This is basic logic. Now witnesses will say, “But he’s walking through walls, therefore a spirit.” No he’s keeping their eyes from recognizing him, [Luke 24:16] which he can do, being Jesus the miracle worker, and God incarnate. Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t understand, a glorified body, is something that is physical, but woven by God. Spiritual, as in God made, not man made. This resurrected body can sit in heaven, and walk on earth. There is nothing written in scripture that says parts of our universe,(which by the way God made them all) can’t enter heaven, ( Which God also made) in each case this is read into scripture. Jesus is alive, a glorified man, being fully God and fully human, currently in heaven, sitting at the right hand of the Father, and probably enjoying a good wine, he’s earned it.
What the Bible says:
- Luke 24:39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”
- John 2:19-22 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 Then the Jews said,“It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” 21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body. 22 Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.
- 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
- Acts 17:31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained.
No Hellfire
One of the most prominent beliefs the Jehovah’s Witnesses hold, is their rejection of the concept of eternal hell. They take the annihilation approach, that one’s soul/body is simply destroyed with no consciousness for all eternity. This is one of their oldest unchanged doctrines, going all the way back to their founder. He adopted this belief from his time with the Adventists in the mid 1800’s. The WatchTower says this is rooted in paganism, or a fear tactic crafted by apostate Christendom. However, Hell is one of the more clearly explained Biblical principles.
Jesus talked about Hell much more than heaven. Witnesses claim this is the common grave of man, or that the Gehenna,(Hell) Jesus was referring to, was the Valley of Hinnom, a burning trash pile. Matter of fact, Jesus was referring to this place, yet there’s no historical proof it was a burning trash pile. Jesus is calling back to the old testament, a place of pure evil, where God’s righteous judgment will be enacted.
Jehovah’s Witnesses also say Hell is unloving, stating that we wouldn’t put our children in an oven, so why would God? They seem to forget God is loving and wrathful. A good judge must punish sin, even if the guilty party were their own son. A sin against an eternal being warrants eternal consequences, and examining what God ought to do through humanity’s sinful desires is a foolish endeavor.
From scripture alone we can gather that hell is a place [Matthew 10:28], it is a place of punishment [Matthew 25:46], it’s the same place demons and Satan will go [Matthew 25:41], there is weeping and gnashing of teeth,[Luke 13:28] the inhabitants face the wrath of God,[Romans 2:5] it’s eternal,[Matthew 18:8] and there’s fire[Revelation 14:10].
Jehovah’s Witnesses have opted for annihilationism, that one simply ceases to exist, however the parable in Luke 16:19-31, Jesus describes a man in torment, anguish, with unquenchable fire, fully suffering where there is no escape. Even the many mentions of weeping and gnashing of teeth, are experiences of regret and in a state of conscious anguish and despair. This is why there is a call to repent, and what salvation is all about. Christ came to save, but save from what? As Jude 1:23 says, to snatch them from the fire. Hell is the punishment that all sinners are owed, but by repentance and trust in the sacrifice of Christ saves people from God’s just wrath.
What the Bible Says:
- Jude 1:23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
- Matthew 25:46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
- Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
The Good News of the Kingdom
The Good news of the Kingdom is the message and hope for all Jehovah’s Witnesses. They don’t call them Kingdom halls for no reason. Christians call it the gospel, Jehovah’s Witnesses say good news, but it doesn’t matter how you say it, but what it is. Paul was very passionate on the subject, warning Christians not to believe in a false gospel that can’t save. He went as far as saying anyone who preached a different good news, should be eternally condemned. [Galatians 1:9] John also writes, if any so-called Christian comes to you with a fake good news, don’t give them a greeting.[1 John 1:10] The gospel is the central theme of the New Testament, and prophesied by Isaiah. Given the emphasis and it being essential to salvation, we need to get the follow questions right. Therefore: What is the Good News of the Kingdom?
Witnesses have their answer, which is proudly broadcast…
[CHRISTIANS are to preach the “good news of the kingdom” by telling others about it, explaining that the Kingdom is the future world government that will rule the earth in righteousness. Watchtower March 2011 Pg. 6]
Is that the good news? Let’s compare that good news to the Bible…
1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the good news which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
As you can see, Paul explains very clearly what this “gospel” is; Christ’s death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sin, and NOTHING about new government. Christ uses these same words in Luke 24:46-47. Therefore JW.org’s good news is different. The real gospel is, because of Christ, we now have a relationship with God. We…get…God.
Jehovah’s Witnesses will claim this is all included, like God’s promises of the future. Sure, but that’s missing the point, which is reconciliation with God. What’s more important? Truly knowing God, or enjoying his stuff? While a paradise will be nice, if there remains a severed relationship with God, it means nothing. Jehovah’s Witnesses have waved off Christ’s mission, focusing on the lesser blessing. This is done by design, creating a feel good message, and attracting people dealing with sickness or loss. However, the good news is supposed to offend the world, not tell them “It doesn’t matter what you do for the next 2000 years, you’ll be resurrected into a paradise and learn about Jehovah while petting tigers.” As John says the darkness hates the light for fear its sin will be known. To accept the free gift of reconciliation requires humility, which doesn’t come naturally to the sinner. There are many other issuers with this. Luke 17:20-21 says that you won’t see the Kingdom. Matthew 4:17 says the kingdom was at hand, meaning any day. And most importantly, Matthew 12:28 Christ said if he was performing miracles by the power of God, the kingdom had come upon them.
Christ’s kingdom arrived when he resurrected, having now all authority over heaven and earth. His message of reconciliation goes to all nations, meant for all people, for all generations. The Jehovah’s Witness version is proven false by their own words, emphasizing personal happiness rather than have a relationship their creator.
What the Bible Says:
- Luke 24:46-47 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
- Galatians 1:9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
- Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
Faith and Works for Salvation
What must I do to be saved? The implore by the jailer in Acts 16:30 after nearly taking his own life. At his lowest, when all seemed lost, he turned to his prisoners with a question. Now according to the Watchtower, the answer is rather long. One must gain accurate knowledge, faith in Jesus, following commands, doing ministry and obedience to the organization and faithful slave. This is sometimes explicitly stated, or thread through the labyrinth of the magazines. This is in stark contrast to the response of the apostle when he said “believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.”[Acts 16:31] No mention of an organization, obedience to their rules, gaining a certain accurate knowledge, or knocking on doors. The Jehovah’s Witnesses teach salvation is dependent on works and no matter how much they may deny this. As a Jehovah’s Witness, certain sacrifices and tasks are required for salvation. Also a contrast to scripture, as Paul makes it very clear that justification( being declared righteous) is apart from works.[Romans 3:28] Biblically, works are a result of faith, a natural product of a changed heart. To add a work, is to lower Christ and make God out to be a monster. You’re basically saying “Jesus, your perfect sacrifice wasn’t good enough, you need my filthy rags [Isaiah 64:6]. God would be some sort of trickster, having his creation dance and strive, dangling salvation like a succulent treat in front of his starving creation. Witnesses are quick to point to James 2:26, however a closer study you find this justification (being declared righteous/saved) is between men, not God. Romans 4:3 says Abraham was justified before God when he believed him, far before he went to sacrifice his son. However James says he was justified when he took Isaac up the mountain. This is not contradicting, we see Abraham’s belief was genuine because he obeyed God. Works outflow from believers if their faith is real.
Think about 3 married couples. Husband #1 is lazy, lewd and doesn’t care about his wife, yet says he’s married and loves her. Now, husband #2 must obey every command from his wife, or she’ll divorce him or refuse his romantic advances. Then there’s husband #3, even though married, continues to date his wife, do acts of kindness, not because he has to, but because he wants to. It is out of desire, not need. Only one of these couples has a real loving relationship.
The Witness requirements are developed by the organization to keep people working to gain members, submission under the control of the leaders, give the appearance of righteousness, and moreover indoctrinate people, telling them that gaining the Watchtower’s accurate knowledge is essential to life.
What the Bible says:
- Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
- Romans 3:28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
- Romans 4:4-5 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,
Paradise Earth
What is Paradise Earth? For Jehovah’s Witnesses, it is the final destination for the majority of Witnesses, the great crowd. All who previously died will be resurrected on this earth, with the chance to have a second chance to earn eternal life. This is Christ’s millennial reign, and Jehovah’s kingdom government brought on the earth where there will be no death or sickness. While the term Paradise earth is in the mind of every Jehovah’s Witnesses, this phrase is not found anywhere in the Bible. Paradise is only mentioned three times, and in each case it’s speaking about heaven.
2 Corinthians 12:4, the 3rd heaven is heaven. Revelation 2:7, the tree of life is in this Paradise of God, which is only in Heaven. Luke 23:43, Jesus promised the thief that day he would be with him in Paradise, and Jesus went to heaven. That isn’t to say there isn’t an Eden like renewed earth. In fact, the Bible alludes to this, because heaven and earth and joined at the final end.
Being in heaven when all is said and done is being on earth. Heaven is just the realm of God, and these become one like they were in Eden. The other issue is the promise of God, how in this new heaven and new earth there would be no more death. Witnesses hold this hope also, while at the same time believing those who don’t live up to God’s standards on paradise earth, will die.
[ “What will be the final outcome for those who reject this marvelous opportunity? Revelation 20:15 tells us: “Whoever was not found written in the book of life was hurled into the lake of fire.” Yes, they will be completely destroyed forever. Watchtower Sep 2022. Pg. 19 ]
This death will be permanent, with no hope of resurrection, a far worse death than what happens on earth. So the promise of no more death, isn’t a promise at all. This presents a massive contradiction that is overlooked and mostly ignored. However the greatest issue with Paradise Earth, God isn’t there, as he was in Eden. All of the billions of those in the great crowd, God isn’t among them, but eternally separate. Revelation 21:3 can’t be any clearer, at the final end, the dwelling place of God, is with mankind. That is the hope of King David, that he will dwell in the house of the God, [Psalm 23:6] but according to Jehovah’s Witness doctrine, David was wrong, and his hope was false.
God’s idea of paradise is any place where he is. It doesn’t matter how nice it is, it’s nothing compared to being in his presence. True Christians want to be with God, and an eternity without him, isn’t a paradise at all.
What the Bible Says:
- Revelation 21:1-4 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Disassociation/Shunning
There is no greater sign someone is in a high control group than the act of shunning. For Jehovah’s Witnesses, this is called removal or disfellowshipping. This act is used for anyone who breaks a certain set of rules within the organization. This can range from adultery, celebrating a holiday, or disagreeing with the leaders. This is a common tactic among cults for one reason, it works. Shunning is a deterrent, acting as a constant threat hanging around every member should they step out of line. It creates the illusion everyone is righteous and clean, or in perfect unity of thought, however these are manufactured behaviors, since their core is NOT based on love, but fear. When the group controls all of their members’ social life, and threatens to remove every human contact, they are essentially saying “The love you feel now, we will remove that should you disobey.”
What’s worse, they claim the Bible supports shunning, however all it requires is basic logic and reading skills to see how that isn’t the case. The church did have a directive for removing someone, however these were rare circumstances, and was about knowing who was and wasn’t a Christian.
In 1 Corinthians 5:11 Paul listed off the behavior of someone, and called it so terrible, not even the world practices this ( sleeping with your own mother). He calls that man a “so-called Brother”, basically saying any real Christian wouldn’t practice this sin. He tells the congregation to remove someone like this for some very good reasons.
Firstly, this person was a fake, and during this new movement in which the church was bonded together, selling and sharing everything they had, dying for the message, and unified for the Gospel, there was a phony among them, a big fat phony. The suggestion that follows isn’t, “don’t ever associate with them”, but not to share in the activities of the church with that person, because they aren’t a Christian. Jesus says the same in Matthew 18:17, explaining if a brother is caught in sin and doesn’t repent, treat them like a Tax collector or a worldly sinner.
This isn’t an option for a Jehovah’s Witness. Even if someone is caught in sin and repents, they will still be removed from the organization until they earn their way back and prove their repentance. This is anti-biblical, as we don’t see this behavior in scripture, but the opposite. The prodigal son returns without needing to earn his way,[Luke 15:11–32] Peter is accepted by Christ at the moment of repentance,[John 21:19] Jesus leaves the 99 sheep to find the 1 lost.[Matthew 18:12] Is it not the story of all sinners, to confess and receive forgiveness apart from works? However, the main point, Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners, which requires sharing a meal. Paul isn’t disagreeing with Jesus, since they are discussing two different matter. Jesus is acting on the overall mission of saving the lost, Paul is speaking on specific instances within the church.
Witnesses ignore the mission of Christ, and instead shun those who break rules, because the organization said so, and must stay “clean.” I would ask, what is clean? Are they not all sinners inside the organization? This is common among cults, as Witnesses will place certain people in a box as “sinners” or “apostates”, however the Bible says everyone is a sinner, even though we rejected God, Christ still died for us while in our sin. Christ’s love is unconditional to all, the Jehovah’s Witness love is conditional.
What the Bible says:
- Mark 2:15-17 Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. 16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”
- Matthew 18:17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
- Luke 17:3-4 “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Bias Interpretation
Jehovah’s Witnesses do not derive their beliefs from the Bible as the leaders would have you believe, rather they have their own ideas, and try and use the Bible to prove them. If someone was to invent their own religion, all while using the Bible’s historicity and popularity, there are bound to be many plot holes. This creates a problem for Jehovah’s Witnesses leadership which they have attempted to solve.
First, is the Watch Tower magazines and books. If you notice, when a Jehovah’s Witness requests a “Free Bible Study, the scriptures are rarely present. In actuality, it’s a Watchtower study, where the society will present essential beliefs, like the importance using the name Jehovah. They will point to a verse like Psalm 83:18 in their own Bible translation, emphasizing how ONLY true Christians would use Jehovah. Notice this isn’t what the verse said. The context of what the Hebrews meant by name, or what YWHW represents is ignored. If they speak on two classes of Christians, the anointed and the earthly class, the article would surely continue for several paragraphs, explaining the classes different jobs, and where they will spend eternity. However, they won’t prove this from the Biblical text, but instead only reference a verse, or sometimes only a fraction.
Most noted is John 10:16, however their evidence for the doctrine’s truth is the organization’s own interpretation. The verse is speaking on Jews and Gentiles from the context, again this isn’t addressed. In many other cases, the verses quoted have nothing to do with the subject matter.
Secondly, is creating a environment of absolute trust by controlling the information Witness consume, and requiring strict obedience to the leaders. Basically, they don’t want their members testing their claims. Therefore, consuming any theological literate not approved by the group is either frowned upon, or forbidden. Reading “apostate” literature, anything that speaks against the organization, is equated with pornography and reviled by Jehovah God. This suggests verification is a sin, and blind faith is expected. This is not how Jesus or God chose to reveal themselves. They gave evidence they could be trusted. Faith isn’t without reason, it’s coming to a conclusion based on an examination of the evidence, and doing so one must look at arguments pro and again. God wants us to test his word, Jehovah’s Witnesses leadership doesn’t. 1 John 4:1, Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
- Testing their interpretation is impossible. It doesn’t matter if they appear wrong, they’re always right and can not be questioned.
- Instead of relying on God for teaching, you’ve fully given your understanding over to imperfect men.
- You now trust in men, instead of God.
Self Appointed
Jehovah’s Witnesses have made the claim, that the “Faithful Slave” their governing body, should be fully obeyed. As they write, you can not have God’s approval without it. [ We need to obey the faithful and discreet slave to have Jehovah’s approval – Watchtower 2011 Jul 15 p.24 ] You’d be hard pressed to find a verse that supports this, but that doesn’t stop them. They are God’s only channel, the only source for accurate truth, and those taking the lead on the only organization God is using, and without being in that organization, you will not receive eternal life. This all taken from mainly one verse, Matthew 24:45. There are many issues with this, and it breaks down into self authentication, “I’m in charge, because I said I was in charge.” Their reasoning to prove this is circular, a logical fallacy and exposes the truth. This proves these men haven’t been appointed by God, but appointed themselves, all while demanding they can not be questioned.
“Because we are the Faithful Slave, you must obey us.”
- Why is that true?
- Because the Bible says so.
- Why is that true?
- Because only the Faithful Slave can interpret the Bible correctly.
- What is that true?
- Because we are the Faithful Slave, you must obey us.
- What is that true?
- Because the Bible…
Some might claim the Bible is similar. While the Bible is self authenticating, this isn’t circular, as there is proof of it’s legitimacy from an outside examination. Witnesses will try and make this argument as well, however as you’ll see in the next section, these are manufactured.
Fake Authenticity
Jehovah’s Witnesses claim they’re the truth by mainly pointing to their works and fulfilled prophecy.
Regarding modern day prophecy, these claims are fallacious and acts of eisegesis. If a verse mentions earthquakes, they’ll fill in the blank with a example from the last century. All of these are subjective. If there hadn’t been an earthquake for 2000 years, you’d have an argument, but that’s simply not the case. Same goes with disease, war or cultural shifts. The leaders will focus on one recent pandemic or war, and claim it’s fulfilled modern day prophecy. This is foolish, as I could point almost any point in history and make the same assertion. This breaks down to simple opinion, masquerading as special revelation.
Now speaking about works, Witnesses are quick to point them out, whether that be the publishing work, the ministry, or the “love”, it’s all used as evidence to their legitimacy. Some of these are impressive, but not confirmations, only manufactured by the demands of the leaders. These works didn’t come about naturally, or by the outpouring of the desires of all witnesses. These actions are requirements, and if not acted upon by the Witness, they will face expulsion with of the fear of impending doom. Nothing about their evidence is supernatural, nor impossible by other organizations. In many cases, they’ve built these as high as claiming “no one else in the world could do this.”
- The Printing Work
- While impressive, this is illogical, the quantity of output is not evidence of quality or truth. McDonalds isn’t the “one true restaurant” because they have more locations.
- Number of Ministers
- This is word play. First, they make members go door to door, and give them all the title of “minister”. Then claim “we have more ministers than Christendom.” These are not the same, what the average Christian means by minister and what the Jehovah’s Witness does, are different. If we’re going to apply what Jehovah’s Witnesses mean to the worldwide church. There are now billions of “ministers.”
- The Love in the Organization
- This is impossible to know, and heavily subjective. To claim “our religion is the most loving.” you’d have to join every church, every faith, and then compare using personal experience which can not be measured. This is a common saying in most groups, whether cults, sects or not. It’s flawed reasoning and not something you can calculate and compare.
Contradictions
Truth can not contradict. If all dogs are brown, and max is a dog, max is not red. Truth must be consistent and harmonize with the laws of the universe that were instituted by God. God is a God of truth, and if he, or his word contradicted themselves, they could not be the true. There are many inconsistencies when it comes to Jehovah’s Witnesses and their beliefs. The roles in the religion have created logical fallacies, and prove the doctrines they espouse are illegitimate. Here are five examples that expose the religion as false.
1
Should a Christian obey the Bible, over men? Yes
Have Jehovah’s Witness leaders called themselves prophets? Yes
Have they predicted events that didn’t come to pass? Yes
Does the Bible demand we not follow anyone who made false claims? Yes
Therefore we shouldn’t follow Jehovah’s Witnesses
2
According to Witnesses, did the church fall away? Yes
According to Witnesses Jehovah has always used an organization? Yes
Charles Russel didn’t join that organization, but created it.
Therefore, God has not always used an organization.
3
According to Witnesses, the light of truth get’s brighter with time.
If the apostles were early Jehovah’s Witnesses, did they believe Jesus died on a torture stake? Yes
Did Charles Taze Russel believe it was a cross. Yes
Do Witnesses now claim it’s a stake and a result of the light being brighter. Yes
Therefore, the light didn’t get brighter. Either Russel was spreading darkness, or “new light” isn’t true.
4
Does the Faithful slave dispense only accurate knowledge? Yes
Have Jehovah’s Witnesses changed their beliefs, example the generation of 1914? Yes
Was the original 1914 belief inaccurate? Yes
Therefore the Faithful Slave dispenses inaccurate knowledge.
5
What is a better source for truth, the Bible or the Watch Tower?
If the Bible is the better source, you don’t need the Watch Tower.
If the Watch Tower is needed, it is either equal to God’s Word, or better. Therefore according to Jehovah’s Witnesses in coming to truth and being saved.
What now?
So you’re a Jehovah’s Witness, or someone who left the organization, and there’s one thought no doubt very prevalent in your head. Now what? While in the religion, life seemed set. You had a general idea where everything was headed while waiting for the Armageddon to come around, now the future went from a few paths ahead to millions. Was everything a lie, or are you possibly just mentally deceased. Is truth even attainable, or is life worth living? Perhaps it’s not as bad, but you now doubt have felt lost. If you are feeling hopeless or have a desire to harm yourself, please reach out for help immediately, and call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Many former Jehovah’s Witnesses ( ex-jw’s) find themselves in this state of hopelessness, and wondering aimlessly after learning the real truth. First, recognize it’s okay to mourn, be angry and let yourself experience the emotional damage. What happened to you sucks, evil men took advantage of you, and deceived your mind and heart with their lies. Luckily you aren’t alone in this, there are millions of others in very similar situations. While that can be comforting, it doesn’t give any answers on what to do next. While we can’t give you a cheat sheet or offer a cure all, we can give some advise.
First, work on yourself. Mentally, physically, and spiritually, get yourself healthy. This isn’t selfish, since most people want to help family and friends still stuck in the group, but you’ll need to be in shape to do so. This means you find the truth. Not your truth, the truth. Truth shouldn’t be, and isn’t subjective or based on our feelings, as tempting as it is. You’ll need to flesh out your world view. This doesn’t mean you need everything lined up, but tackle the major stuff first. The greatest among these, is your thoughts on God, who is he, and is he even real.
Therefore, secondly, discover who God is. This is an easy subject to put off, but remember when you were a Jehovah’s Witness, you believed in a higher power. Upon discovering the Jehovah’s Witness religion wasn’t true, God and the Bible were probably thrown out with the everything else. Don’t beat yourself up, about 90% of former Jehovah’s Witnesses turn to atheism or agnosticsm. The reason lies in the structure of the organization, and how they present themselves; if they aren’t the truth, no one is.
The Bible would talk against this, as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:17,32, if Christ was raised, all of it is for nothing. Through the indoctrination, the organization put themselves as the foundation of truth, on which God is supposed to sit. The misinformation presented concerning other faiths are numerous, requiring you to reevaluate and start fresh without pre-conceived ideas. Whether you realize it or not, the concepts have been twisted by the leaders. Your opinion and “facts” on churches, Jesus, science and history have all been tainted. Remember, just because the Jehovah’s Witness leaders lied to you, doesn’t mean Jesus of Nazareth didn’t exist.
To those who still want to know God, this might be more difficult than is should be. Perhaps you’re afraid you’ll get him wrong again, or don’t want to join another organization or have your experience repeated. I can help you there. Remember, take your time and don’t feel you have to rush, start the slow pace towards truth. 2 Peter 3:9“…he is patient for your sakes, not wanting anyone to perish, but all to come to repentance.”
- Pray. Ask God for wisdom and direction. He’s not going to say no.
- Read the Bible. Start in the New Testament, Luke or John, or all the gospel accounts, then read Romans or Acts. When you read, go slowly. DO NOT read the New World Translation. For English readers, ESV, NASB, NLT, NIV or KJV are fine. For mobile users, YouVersion is a free Bible app I highly recommend.
- Learn about who Jesus really is.
- Learn about what the true gospel is.
- Find a local church or support group.
How to be Saved
Do you want to know God? Not know about him, but know on a personal level? We all want what’s good, and nothing is better than God. Unfortunately, we can’t draw close to him, because we’re creatures who rebelled against him, living in a fallen world stained by our disorder and chaos. We aren’t good, we’ve all lied, cheated, lusted, and hated each other. (Romans 3:10) None of us are worthy to stand before him. (Romans 3:23)We have a sin debt we owe, and a perfect God must enact perfect judgment. We stand accused, but God in his love didn’t leave us (John 3:16). He lowered himself from his throne, became a man and lived a perfect life.(Phil. 2:6-11) He was executed and suffered for our sake, taking the punishment owed to us on himself, and saving us from God’s wrath(Isaiah 53:5)The good news, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8) He was buried and three days later rose again, proving he defeated death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). He showed us mercy and grace, underserved merit given to those who turned away. Now Christ mediates, and justifies (declares righteous) all those that have put their trust in his person and work (Romans 5:1). To receive this grace, we turn to Christ, (repent) and trust that his sacrifice has cleaned us from all sin (1 John 1:7-9) , and we receive his Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). We make him our Lord, follow him, and grow in our love for our God and Savior Jesus Christ. When we’ve put faith in him with our hearts, he declares us righteous, granting us eternal life (John 1:12) a renewed spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17) and an inheritance kept in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-4). The Bible says we can be sure of our salvation, confident and know we have it (1 John 5:13) We receive this as a gift, without striving, and the fruits that follow are an outpouring of our love and appreciation for what God did. There is no special prayer, no ritual needed to perform, and no location where this must happen. You simply call out to Jesus, asking for forgiveness, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31)
Romans 10:9-10 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
Check out our posts for more in depth look into Jehovah’s Witness doctrines.
