No, Jehovah’s Witnesses, also known as members of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania,are not Christian. Understandably, this answer may trouble some people. After all, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe the Bibleis God’s Word, worship only one God, and believe that Jesus is the Saviour of the world.
Can Jehovah’s witnesses prove that Jesus is not God?
These questions are also common among Unitarians, Muslims, and other non-Christian cults and beliefs. When Jehovah’s Witnesses come knock on your door they are ready to prove that Jesus is not God from the Bible, and the Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught how to respond to Christians and how to prove Jesus is not God.
What is the difference between a Christian and a Jehovah’s Witness?
Paul repeatedly made it clear that to be a Christian was to be a witness to men concerning the person of Christ, to be a witness to the words and works of Christ. Jehovah’s Witnesses, on the other hand, believe that we are to focus our worship exclusively on God the Father (who is referred to in some Bible translations as “Jehovah”).
What doctrines of Christianity are denied by Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Here are some key doctrines of Christianity that are denied by the Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Watchtower Society has a completely different view of who God is that classical Christianity. While Christians hold to God being trinitarian in nature (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), the J.W’s only recognize the Father as God.
How do I talk to a Jehovah’s Witness?
There are a number of strategies that can be used. Perhaps the easiest is to ask Jehovah’s Witnesses questions like a pupil asking of a teacher. Having a question in mind also helps ‘break the ice’ when you speak with them; it’s a good opening to begin a discussion.
Why did the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society alter the text of the Bible?
The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society altered the text of the Bible to make it fit their false doctrine, rather than basing their doctrine on what the Bible actually teaches. The New World Translation has gone through numerous editions, as the Jehovah’s Witnesses discover more and more Scriptures that contradict their doctrines.
What is the governing body of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society?
The governing body of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is the only body in the cult that claims authority to interpret Scripture. In other words, what the governing body says concerning any scriptural passage is viewed as the last word, and independent thinking is strongly discouraged.
When was the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society founded?
The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society was founded in 1886 and quickly became the vehicle through which the “Millennial Dawn” movement began distributing their views. Group members were sometimes disparagingly called “Russellites.”.
Who was the author of the Millennial Dawn Bible Study?
Russell named his group the “Millennial Dawn Bible Study,” and those who followed him were called “Bible students.”. Charles T. Russell began writing a series of books he called “The Millennial Dawn,” which stretched to six volumes before his death and contained much of the theology Jehovah’s Witnesses now hold.
What does the WTS teach about God’s kingdom?
The WTS teaches God’s kingdom is not that over which God rules, but a ‘government’ made up of the 144,000 from Rev 7 v 4. If the kingdom were actually a kingdom then they would need to be born again to enter or even see it (John 3 v 3, 5) and Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught that only the 144,000 need to be born again.
What can you do to sow doubt?
All you can do is sow a seed of doubt and pray that the Holy Spirit will work on them and that the seed will one day bring forth fruit. There are two types of questions; one that lays a doubt over the validity of the WTS and the other shows them the truth in the Bible. You are sowing doubt and sharing truth.
How to introduce a question in the Bible?
Some questions will need to be ‘set up’ and others can just be asked straight away. But Introduce your question with something like “I read an article in your literature which I found confusing and I would be very grateful if you could explain it for me…” At suitable points ask them where in the Bible it says what they’re saying. Nod appreciatively, but point out that it doesn’t actually say that – few of their ‘supporting’ scriptures actually say what they want them to say!
What to do if you haven’t time for both?
If you haven’t time for both, share truth. Neither will be effective without the power of the Holy Spirit behind it – remember that and remember too that you are just one step in His plan so don’t get discouraged. Some questions will need to be ‘set up’ and others can just be asked straight away.
Why is it important to have a question in mind?
Having a question in mind also helps ‘break the ice’ when you speak with them; it’s a good opening to begin a discussion. Don’t expect great results though, they won’t agree with you even if they do see your point.
Who is the mediator in the Bible?
The Bible is clear that there is only one mediator and that is Jesus (1 Timothy 2 v 5)/ The WTS teaches that He is only the mediator for the 144,000 and, in effect, the 144,000 are the mediators for the rest. The Jehovah’s Witness may answer in the affirmative, but then change their mind when you remind them that the WTS says He isn’t. If so ask them who is their mediator – again leave that one for them to ponder.#N#When confronted with a question they cannot answer a Jehovah’s Witness is taught to respond either with ‘We’re not here to argue’ or ‘We don’t argue over the meaning of words’. If you come up against these answers it’s time to move on.
Where does Barry live?
He is keen to spread the word of Christ to these lost sheep and to encourage and train others to do the same. Barry lives with his wife in North Wales where he attends a free church in Mold. His hobbies include snowboarding, windsurfing and popular science.
Are All Christian Churches Apostate?
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that a mass apostasy (that is, a falling away from Christian truth) took place in the church soon after the deaths of Jesus’ apostles 1 and that, during this time, the Christian church “was held captive by Babylon the Great” (that is, Satan). 2 Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that God (whom they call Jehovah) used Charles Taze Russell—who founded the Watch Tower Society in 1874 3 —and his associates, known as the Millennial Dawnists, to restore biblical truths that were lost in the apostasy. 4 They claim that Russell and his associates were “the only body of genuine Christians in a vast field of imitations.” 5 To this day, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that salvation cannot be found outside the Watch Tower Society 6 and claim that every Christian outside of it “is wholly a part of Satan’s system of things.” 7
Can We Only Understand the Bible through the Watch Tower Society?
9 Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that, today, God directly teaches the Bible to humankind through this organisation alone; 10 unless we “keep in touch” with it, “we will not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we do” 11 (note that Jehovah’s Witnesses use a fraudulent translation of the Bible called the New World Translation). 12 The punishment for Jehovah’s Witnesses who disobey the WTS’s instructions—even on minor matters—is being disfellowshipped and shunned. 13
Is God a Trinity?
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Michael the Archangel is the Son of God (that is, Jesus) in his pre-existence, who became “Jesus Christ” while on Earth and resumed service as Michael after Jesus’ resurrection 14 (by “resurrection,” they mean God recreated Michael 15 ). They teach that Michael is God’s first created being and that, through Michael, God created all other things in existence. 16 Jehovah’s Witnesses reject the Trinity doctrine and teach that, while Jesus is “inferior” to the Father and the Holy Spirit is God’s “active force,” not a person, the Father alone is the true God. 17
Did Jesus Return to the Earth Invisibly in 1914?
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in a “spiritual” second coming of Jesus 27 and teach that he has already returned to Earth invisibly 28 and is currently “invisibly present.” 29 Their logic is that, since Jesus was raised from death as an invisible spirit creature (which was refuted above), Jesus will return as one rather than as a human. 30 Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus’ second advent happened in the year 1914, when they believe Jesus “was installed as God’s heavenly King” 31 and began “ruling from his heavenly throne.” 32 They teach that Jesus’ return is not literal 33 and that it just means “he has turned his attention to the affairs of the earth at God’s due time,” for he is still in Heaven. 34 They also teach that Jesus’ invisible presence in 1914 marks the beginning of the last days and acts as a sign that the day of judgement is close at hand. 35
What Is the Gospel?
One Watchtower publication defines the gospel (that is, the “good news”) this way: “This ‘good news’ is primarily the message that salvation or everlasting life is possible on the basis of genuine faith in the atoning benefits of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, and that God’s kingdom by Christ will bring all things on earth into perfect unity with the holy heavens” (italics added). 36 Therefore, the gospel for Jehovah’s Witnesses is not that faith in Christ gives people salvation; rather, it is that faith in Christ makes salvation possible. Another Watchtower publication says that faith in Christ is not enough for salvation: when a person believes in Jesus, “he can consider himself as being on the way to salvation. It would be a mistake for him to think that he is now saved and cannot fall. He must show by his endurance in the Christian faith that he is worthy of salvation ” (italics added). 37 Yet another says that “those who are saved do not steal from another person, do not live immoral lives, do not lie or defraud one another. Our eternal salvation depends on obedience to God in such things” (italics added). 38
What is the only translation of John 1:1?
The only translation interpreting John 1:1 in the way that Jehovah’s Witnesses interpret it is, in fact, the lone New World Translation offered by the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
What is the meaning of John 1:1?
1. Jehovah’s Witnesses often talk about John 1:1 and argue the original Greek wording is more correctly translated “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was ¬a god”, rather than the orthodox rendering, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”.
What is cold case Christianity?
For more information about the reliability of the New Testament gospels and the case for Christianity, please read Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels. This book teaches readers ten principles of cold-case investigations and applies these strategies to investigate the claims of the gospel authors. The book is accompanied by an eight-session Cold-Case Christianity DVD Set (and Participant’s Guide) to help individuals or small groups examine the evidence and make the case.
What did Jesus make without him?
Jesus made “all things” and “without him was not any thing made that was made”. If the entire universe was divided into two groups, those things that have existed eternally and those things that were created (“any thing that was made”), Jesus would have to fall into the first category according to this verse.
When did Armageddon begin?
1917 Armageddon Has Begun. “The present great war in Europe is the beginning of the Armageddon of the scriptures.” (Pastor Russell’s Sermons, 1917, page 676) 1918 The Saints Will Be Resurrected in 1925.
When did the millennial reign begin?
1916 The Millennial Reign Began in 1873. “The Bible chronology herein presented shows that the six great 1000 year days beginning with Adam are ended, and that the great 7th Day, the 1000 years of Christ’s Reign, began in 1873.” (The Time Is at Hand, page ii) 1917 Armageddon Has Begun.
Is Armageddon in the year 1940?
1940 Armageddon is Eminent Within the Year. “The year 1940 is certain to be the most important year yet, because Armageddon is very near.” (Informant, May 1940) Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading. 1941 Jesus Will Return in Months.