Who doesn’t love a gifts? They’re free, for us, and someone sacrificed their resources for out wellbeing. That’s a sign of real. But then there’s fake gifts. Like scam calls, “You won a free gift, just buy this, take this survey, sit through our seminar, and you’ll receive it. Anything given after effort, isn’t a gift, but something earned. However, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe salvation is earned, and the gifts functions in the same way, via much effort. They maintain that a man is justified by gaining approval from God. Much like the rest of their beliefs this isn’t taught in scripture, but it’s clear Jehovah’s witnesses are earning salvation.
Unfortunately, some people believe the Biblical God operates in a similar manner. He’s simply dangling blessings for those good enough to receive. Scripture tells us, God is loving Father, desiring to bestow creation with the very best, which is himself. No amount of riches or health come to close reconciliation with the creator. This is salvation, freed from sin and death by Christ’s mercy and sacrifice, and granting the rebels grace and eternal life. When anyone puts their whole trust in the Christ’s person and work, God declares them righteous. This is called justification, and fully saves the individual, and the sinner now has peace with God. This is on the basis of faith, not by their works. Here’s just a handful of verses that speak to this Biblical reality. 2 Timothy 1:9, Philippians 3:9, Titus 3:5, Romans 3:24, Romans 11:6, and more.
What must one do to be saved?
Some groups claiming to be Christian disagree, groups like Jehovah Witnesses. Their message, eternal life but must be gained through a lifetime of effort. Much like a scam call, they’ll present it solely as a gift on the surface, but this religion really teaches salvation is through the organization. Starting from the source, the FAQ section on JW.org, meant for interested ones.
Are Jehovah’s Witnesses Trying to Earn Salvation by Their Door-to-Door Ministry? No. We engage regularly in our door-to-door ministry, but we don’t believe that we earn our salvation by doing such work. – JW.org FAQ
Pretty straight forward, they are NOT trying to earn salvation. However, then there’s this from “Bible Questions Answered. “What Is Salvation?”
The Bible shows that you must have works, or acts of obedience, to prove that your faith is alive. (James 2:24, 26) However, this does not mean that you can earn salvation. It is “God’s gift” based on his “undeserved kindness,” or “grace.” – JW.org Bible Questions Answered
As you can see, there seems to be a contradiction. One can’t earn it, but must have works to receive it? It get’s worse.
The Bible clearly shows that imperfect humans can gain Jehovah’s approval, or goodwill. – WatchTower March 2024 pg.26
So now it’s gaining? Isn’t that pretty much the same thing? The word “gain” is used whenever the concept of works is brought up. “Earning” is a harsher word, and a sure turn off for anyone interested. This is purposely crafted, done to hide the true nature of what’s happening. But they don’t stop there. There’s even a whole article from 2011 called “Gaining God’s Approval Leads to Everlasting Life.” There’s even a song called “Gaining Jehovah’s Friendship.” This isn’t a new invention, as it goes back throughout their history.
You want to survive and gain everlasting life under a new and righteous system of things. Watchtower December 1967 pg.707
The biggest issue is in the word itself, the definition of earning is working via labor or merit to receive what you don’t have(in this case, eternal life). However “gain” is the increase of something you already have, which would apply here. Grammar be darned, the Watchtower prefers presentation.
Gaining Accurate Knowledge
It’s obvious Jehovah’s Witnesses believe gaining approval from God must be attained via works. So it begs the question, what are these works? Obviously the Watchtower provides the answer. They’ll sounds like normal Christianity, by explaining one must have Faith in Jesus. I agree, to be saved someone must put their faith in the ransom sacrifice, repent, and make him Lord. In Christianity, a true heart conversion is enough for salvation, ( Acts 16:31, Acts 2:38, John 3:16) However, for Jehovah’s Witnesses, much more is required. They directly say so themselves..
Is belief in Jesus all that we need to be saved? No. Although we must believe in Jesus to gain salvation, more is required. – JW.org Bible Questions Answered
Like every other high control group, the works aside from Christ, involve the organization. According to the religion, in order to gain salvation, one must gain “accurate knowledge.”
So how can we obtain this accurate knowledge? By personal study and meditation, along with prayer and meeting attendance. This means a constant recharging of our spiritual batteries, as it were. We cannot afford to rely only on the knowledge we initially gained when we accepted the truth. Continually, we have to take in solid spiritual food, accurate knowledge, by means of conscientious personal study. – Watchtower December 1989 pg.14
There’s so much wrong with this. First this “spiritual food” comes only through the leaders, the faithful slave. Note, this is not by independent Bible study as that’s forbidden. It’s important to note, the society also teaches you can’t understand the Bible without the faithful slave. Looking over what was written, specifically this line, “We cannot afford to rely only on the knowledge we initially gained when we accepted the truth.” Why not? That’s not what Paul said. In the opening to his letter to the church at Ephesus, he reminds the church they were saved and sealed by the Holy Spirit, when they believed the initial good news message. He says nothing about continuing studies from the apostles in any of his letters, nor does any other writer. Image telling a mostly illiterate first century church, they must gain salvation by constant study.
In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise.
Ephesians 1:13
According to Jehovah’s Witnesses, it’s not enough to learn and subsequently believe about God, Jesus or the good news message. One must be constantly studying the material on a weekly basis if you are to gain eternal life. While this seems bizarre and unbiblical, is because it is. It’s also a logical fallacy and reveals how the organization feels about their material. If the Bible is the word of God, it alone contains all the information regarding his nature and character. Therefore, if the Watchtower is suggesting that continual study is required, you would be putting the magazines as equal to scripture, and implying all those who came before, had an insufficient saving knowledge of God. It would infer, it is impossible to know God completely until the “New Light” has reached it’s peak. You’ll find no such scripture.
Jehovah’s Witnesses understand it’s unscriptural position, and have decided to twist the text of the Bible to push this indoctrination tactic. They use John 17:3 as evidence, yet it’s a mistranslation. This was proudly written in their New World Translation, however only recently it’s been reverted back. Though that’s the case, the Watchtower will still misquote it, and say it reads, “this means eternal life taking in knowledge of you.”
The Greek word used is ginóskó, and is used for relational knowing, understanding and feeling, not about gaining absolute knowledge. Scripture can help us grow in our love for God, but he doesn’t reward you for facts gained, but for a heart that longs for him.
Exercise Faith?
Now comes the physical labor, the preaching work, or continuing to make public declaration. This is also rolled into what they say is obeying Jesus. What Is Needed for Salvation? Article again
Participation in preaching and teaching God’s Word is vitally related to your salvation. – Watchtower December 1967 pg.710
There’s an article far more direct, called called 12 reasons for preaching,
#7 It is a requirement for our own salvation – Our Kingdom Ministry, June 2012 pg.1
If that’s not enough, check out that article and look at #8. It doesn’t matter, because Jesus, nor the apostles ever said this. Now Jehovah’s Witnesses will quote Matthew 28:20, but there’s no footnote about meeting a quota. Besides, the church has been actively obeying the great commission for almost 2000 years. There’s 2.4 billion Christians in the world, obeying Christ by evangilizing and knowing they’re not gaining eternal life. This fact is ignored by the Witness society. JW’s will also use Romans 10:9-10 but pervert the translation, making it about constant public display.
9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
Romans 10:9-10 ( NASB )
9For if you publicly declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and exercise faith in your heart that God raised him up from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation.
Romans 10:9-10 ( NWT )
The word in Greek for confess is “homologēo,” which means to confess with someone. The concept of in public, isn’t a requirement. The text is explaining on must believe with your inner being, that Jesus is Lord, and God raised from from the dead(the good news), then upon doing so, one is declared righteous. There nothing written here about certain ministry works for a particular religion.
Gain the Faithful Slave’s Approval
Now comes the worst part, obedience to the leaders. It’s not enough that members must preform for the organization, and study the material, but earning God’s approval apparently comes from obedience and submission to their leaders, the governing body.
the only way to have Jehovah’s favor is always to follow the direction of his organization. – The Watchtower May 2014
It is vital that we recognize the faithful slave. Our spiritual health and our relationship with God depend on this channel. – The Watchtower Study Edition July 2013
By submitting to the slave class, the faithful God’s people also show their subjection to the Master, Jesus Christ. – The Watchtower Study Edition October 2002
There’s many more quotes, but the implication must be focused. According to “accurate knowledge” the whole world must continually obeying the governing body, 11 men in upstate New York to gain eternal life. Sit on this for a sec, if it’s righteous in God’s eyes to obey those taking the lead, that implies it’s a sin to disobey. Any such doctrine is found no where in the Scripture, however believers are warned about such men, and calls them an anti-Christ. Men can not save, nor are they a mediator between Jesus and God. Only lairs and false teachers would spew the nonsense the Jehovah’s Witness Governing Body does on a quarterly basis.
9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
Galatians 1:10
Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
Psalm 146:3
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12
The Bible can’t hit us over the head with it any harder. Don’t put your trust in men, don’t earn the approval of others, there’s only one name for salvation, and one person you need to put your trust in, and no Governing Body member fills that role.
There’s more a member must do to gain salvation, like getting baptized into the religion and being an official member. Also one must keep association, which means obeying the rules of the religion, many of which are man made. Make no mistake, according to their own believe, your saving faith in God faith will heavily involve approval from them.
In a nutshell, the Jehovah’s Witness path to eternal life, constantly study, go out and do only approved preaching work, become an official member maintain good standing, and give unquestioned submission to those taking the lead, and if you, always trying your best all the way up to the end, you’ll be approved by God. Doesn’t take a scholar to know that’s not in the Bible.
The Works Defense
Now obviously Jehovah Witnesses have their verses trying to defend this all these works. They’ll use Philippians 2:12, where it says working out your salvation. But this greek word “katergazomai” is about bringing to completion. It’s the responsibility of the believer to withstand turmoil and not give up. Being a Christian you’ll face hardship, but you don’t flee under stress, but instead you hold onto Christ though whatever happens. It takes only a quick look back to Philippians 1:6, It’s Christ who carries all the way, not your own efforts.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
Philippians 2:12
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
Then there’s the translation bias from their own printed Bible, the New World Translation. One example comes from Luke 13:24, where they’ve inserted exert yourself vigorously. However, the word is better translated as agonize. Like I said, hard choices happen, but the suffering isn’t to gain his approval, but because you already have it. You love, because he loved you first.
Another word mistranslated is “believe in”, changed to “exercise faith.” They have a nonsense excuse that could be summarized as such, “It says believe in. That in implies action, so exercise is appropriate.” This is just them forcing the doctrine of door to door ministry into the Bible. The action of my heart trusts in Christ. That’s not a work, as the Bible defines works, but repentance and submission to Christ is a cognitive and emotional decision, and that action is sometimes the hardest choice anyone can make. That action is singular, not exercise which implies it’s a constant sweating effort.
One more popular verses used, Matthew 24:13 The one who has endured to the end will be saved.” I already covered this, you stay a Christian though thick and thin. I’ll even give some more examples like, Mark 13:13, Hebrews 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. And what is the will of God, John 6:40 For everyone to put their trust, In Christ, not a society. Hold
Then there’s every cult’s favorite, James 2:17, saying faith without works is dead. This is easily addressed.
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. 14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
James 2:9-18
James is defining real faith, as in living trees produce fruit, dead trees don’t. A honest faith, that comes from a true changed heart will have works that flow, or fruit that is produces. A dead faith, like a dead tree, will produce nothing. In Romans 4 Paul uses the same language, also referring to Abraham, however Paul is speaking about justification from God, James is speaking about the view of others. We know his faith was alive, because it had works, however, Abraham believed God, and was declared righteous, way before the happenings with his son. His works didn’t justify him before God, his faith did.
What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, the wages are not credited as a favor, but as what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.
Romans 4:1-5
18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone
James 2:18-24
Now the watchtower has a response to all this, and it’s very telling. Their first approach is attacking Christendom with bizarre accusations and stories that I can only assume are made up.
As a result of such positions, some religious writers have concluded that Paul and James disagreed on the subject of faith and works. Clergymen may claim that while Paul believed that a man is declared righteous by faith apart from works, James taught that works are essential in order to have God’s approval. A professor of divinity put it this way: “James did not understand Paul’s motive for insisting that [being declared righteous] is by faith alone and not by works.” But Jehovah inspired both Paul and James to write what they did. (2 Tim. 3:16) So there must be a simple way to harmonize their statements. There is—by considering their writings in context. – Watchtower December 2023 pg. 2
I have to comment on this line “a professor of divinity”. Why does the opinion of a unnamed professor have anything to do with this? This isn’t a scholar or some popular pastor. Whomever wrote this article is probably unaware that there are thousands of professors of divinity, many of which are not Christians. What some mystery professor thinks makes difference. He’s probably invented, and they’re just showing their confirmation bias. Anyway, they’re basically trying to assert that Christendom is confused with these verses. We aren’t.
The two Bible writers Paul and James were simply approaching the subject of faith and works from different angles. Paul was telling the Jewish Christians that they would never be able to obtain Jehovah’s approval simply by performing works of the Mosaic Law. James was emphasizing the need for all Christians to show their faith by doing good to others. – Watchtower December 2023 pg. 2
Just to summarize, their position states that Paul is speaking about the Mosaic law, but James is talking about how to treat people? That is a total lie. James 2:10, clearly addresses the mosaic law just a few verses back. He even quotes Jesus explaining the law is summarized in loving God, and loving neighbor. He even says if you stumble just a little bit, you’re guilty of it all. How is he not talking about the law? James chapter 2, and arguably the whole book, is about properly loving your neighbor which Christ said is summed up, in the law. James’ point, real faith will have works, a dead faith won’t.
The Truth about Works
No matter what the witness uses, Hebrews 5:9, 1 Corinthians 9:24, Revelation 2:10 they’re teaching believers to keep focusing on Christ, good encouragement especially under tribulation. But Witnesses insert their bais, saying do this, do that, then you’ll be righteous, and God will approve of you. But Romans 3:10, there is no one righteous, not ONE.
as it is written:
Romans 3:10-13
“None is righteous, no, not one;
11 no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”
13 “Their throat is an open grave;
they use their tongues to deceive.”
In the sermon on the mount from Matthew 5, Jesus explains those who think they’re righteous, aren’t. You haven’t murdered or committed adultery, doesn’t matter, you’re a sinner for even thinking of doing such actions. Christ’s message was to nail down the truth that everyone fails to love God and neighbor. No human will never be good enough to be righteous in God’s eyes, and their best efforts, are infinitely insufficient.
Ephesians 2 can not be any clearer. Everyone is dead, due to us missing the mark of perfection and purposely violating God’s moral law. We all are by our nature, children of wrath and deserving of such. But the good news, God showed mercy and wants to save us by his grace, not as something to be earned or gain, but as a gift.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:8-10
You’re justified not by works, but engage in them because of what’s been done. Witnesses ignore that part that says, “not of yourselves”, as all the works the Jehovah’s Witnesses claim one must do, are by performed by themselves. Now the Watchtower continues the scam with this ridiculous story.
Think of this comparison: Imagine that a benevolent man promised an expensive gift to everyone who showed up at a certain location on a given date. If you really believed the man’s promise, would you follow his instructions? No doubt! Likely, you would also tell your friends and family about the opportunity, so that they too could benefit from it. Even so, you wouldn’t earn the gift by following the man’s instructions. The gift is still a gift. – JW.org FAQ
Note the deception, since this is for the FAQ section. They don’t truly believe this. According thier own doctrines, a better comparison would be benevolent man’s club, obeying its grandmasters, studying their monthly handbooks, and constantly making an effort to get new recruits. If you fail to do so for your whole life, you’re out. I know they don’t do Christmas or Birthdays, but they still know what a gift is, and this isn’t it.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are wrong. Salvation isn’t gained, it’s received. It is given by God, solely on the basis of faith. Any good work comes from desire, not need. Remember when you see a Jehovah’s Witness in the public ministry, Their actions, although zealous, aren’t purely out of love for their community, but the assumption their labor for the society will grant them eternal life. Just ask the question.
“Can I be approved by God, without joining the religion, working for the religion, studying their materials, or obeying their leaders?”
Any Jehovah’s Witness must answer with a resounding “no”. Therefore, salvation isn’t through Christ alone, but through the organization. They’re nothing but scammers, claiming to have a free gift, but planning to steal your life. There’s only one who’s paid all dept, one who’s the anchor for our soul, one mediator, high priest, shepherd, savior, the one who justifies, the only Way, the only truth, to which our hope rests in. These are strictly exclusive, and belong only to Jesus Christ. Anyone who’s given him their heart approaches his throne with confidence, (Hebrews 4:16) knowing they’ve been saved by his grace though faith, not their best efforts which are never good enough. If anyone calls you telling you otherwise, hang up.