Who are the Jehovah's Witnesses? - Part 2
What do Jehovah's Witnesses believe? While there are some similarities to Christianity, the movement has distorted fundamental beliefs regarding many key biblical teachings. For example, Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus was previously Michael the archangel, making Jesus a created being. As a result, Jehovah's Witnesses reject the deity of Christ and the Christian belief in the Trinity. Only Jehovah is considered God. Further, in their view, salvation comes through faith and a list of works dictated by the Watchtower. This clearly contradicts many Scriptures that declare salvation is by grace alone through faith alone apart from works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Another key difference is the Jehovah's Witness view of Scripture. The Bible is considered corrupt, except for their own translation (the New World Translation). This version of the Bible has changed the name of God to "Jehovah" in hundreds of places in which the original text uses different names. Many other changes have been made, reflecting the particular theological beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses. Most notable is the NWT translation of John 1:1 that changes "the word was God" to "the word was a god". Many Greek scholars insist that this is not an accurate reflection of the original language and is, in fact, a deliberate mistranslation. Many other passages in the NWT have caused scholars to question the integrity of the translators.
Another area of difference concerns the afterlife. Jehovah's Witnesses teach three realms in the afterlife. First, there are the 144,000 who are in the highest realm with God (Revelation 7:1-4). Faithful Jehovah's Witnesses who do not make the 144,000 will be in the next level and are considered the "little flock" of Luke 12:32. Everyone else will be annihilated, meaning they cease to exist. These views are much different from the Bible's presentation of heaven and hell as the only two destinations after death (Luke 16:19-31).
Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate most holidays, do not vote, or hold political office, do not participate in patriotic activities, and do not accept blood transfusions. These and other unique prohibitions have caused much controversy throughout the movement's history.
In summary, the Jehovah's Witness movement is not a Christian denomination. Its core theological beliefs set it apart as a cult. Jehovah's Witnesses' views of God, Jesus, salvation, Scripture, and the afterlife are incompatible with biblical Christianity.
We shall continue our look at ‘cults’ in our next post. Until then, walk with the King & be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
RL Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource: www.compellingtruth.org
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