Jehovah’s Witnesses
ue,
Since you were asking about the 144,000 number with the Jehovah Witnesses, I’d thought I would do an article on who these people are since most of us have had them knocking on our doors preaching their interpretation of the gospel.
There are serious main differences between their system of beliefs and those of true Christianity. These differences are so extreme, this group has to be considered a cult and false religion.
I will first start out by giving you some basic general facts on who they are and what they believe in, and then go ahead and highlight the main differences between their system of beliefs and those of true Christianity.
Basic Facts of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses are also known as the “Watchtower Society” or “Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.” They were officially founded back in 1884 and were initially called the “Zion’s Watchtower and Tract Society.” They did not officially adopt the name of Jehovah’s Witnesses until 1931.
They currently claim a worldwide membership of approximately 9 million people in 205 countries. Approximately 4 million of them live in the United States. They also allege they are averaging 200,000 new members each year.
They tell their flock they are the only true, sole, Christian religion on the earth today and that only their interpretation of the Bible is correct. They have their own interpretation of the Scriptures which they call the “New World Translation.” As you will see in the differences I will list below, they are really off in their interpretations.
God the Father will in no way honor or accept this false belief system as one of His own due to some key main differences between their interpretation of the Bible and what I feel are simply the basics of true Christianity. Here are some of the main differences.
Main Differences Between Jehovah’s
Witnesses and Christianity
1. The Trinity
They do not believe in the Trinity. They believe that Jesus Christ is St. Michael the archangel. They think the Holy Spirit is an “impersonal force” and not actually God and Lord Himself.
They believe that Jesus, as St. Michael the archangel, was God’s first created being. However, our Bible says that Jesus was never created, but is “co-eternal” with God the Father. In other words, Jesus has always been just as His Father has always been. Neither one of Them has ever been created. Here is the verse from our Bible that specifically proves this point:
Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58)
The words “I AM” are telling us that Jesus “always was” and thus was never created. This makes both He and God the Father co-eternal in the Trinity – which means that neither of Them have ever been created, but have always been in existence.
They believe that the Holy Spirit is an “active force of almighty God which moves His servants to do His will.” Our Bible specifically tells us that the Holy Spirit is God and Lord Himself and that He is referred to as “He” in the Bible – which tells us that He is a Person and not some type of “force” that God uses.
2. Jesus Christ Coming in the Flesh
They do not believe that Jesus Christ was God coming in the “flesh” to our earth to save mankind from their sins. This one right here completely disqualifies them from being a pure true branch of Christianity. Here is the verse from our Bible that completely nails them on just this one issue alone:
“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. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God.” (1 John 4:1-4)
Any man, religion, or system of belief that does not preach, teach, and believe that Jesus Christ is truly the Son of God who came down to our earth in the flesh to physically die on a cross for all of our sins cannot be accepted as anything that is truly coming from God the Father. End of discussion!
3. The Bodily Resurrection of Jesus Christ
They do not believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus. Our Bible tells us that when they went into the tomb to see if Jesus was still there, that His entire body was no longer there.
They believe that Jesus was “annihilated” by God, not risen. They believe that after 3 days from His death, that He was resurrected as a “spirit creature” rather than being resurrected having a new “glorified spiritual body.”
In other words, they are taking out the word “body.” Our Bible tells us that when we die, we will all be given a brand new “glorified spiritual body.” Here is the verse:
“The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-50)
Put all of these key words together in the above verse, and we will all be getting new “glorified spiritual bodies” when we die and enter into heaven just as Jesus was given when He fully resurrected on the third day from His crucifixion.
4. The 144,000 Witnesses
They believe that only 144,000 people are going to make it into heaven. They actually believe that most of the 144,000 out of their group are already in heaven. The rest of the Jehovah’s Witnesses still living can only hope to inherit the earth, not actually make it into heaven, since this is only reserved for the special 144,000 chosen ones.
However, our Bible tells us in the Book of Revelation that the 144,000 people being talked about are 144,000 Jewish witnesses that God marks and seals during the 7 year Tribulation to help proclaim the Gospel during this horrific time.
The Bible says that this 144,000 are 12,000 Jews taken from each of the 12 main tribes of Israel. They are called the “firstfruits” of God, as they are the first set of Jews who get officially saved and accept Jesus Christ as their true Messiah.
These 144,000 Jewish witnesses are obviously going into heaven since they are saved, but so does everyone else who accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Here are three key Scripture verses proving that the gift of eternal salvation is for all who will accept it – not just for 144,000 special chosen ones.
“… that WHOEVER believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:15-16)
Notice the word “whoever.” This applies to all who will believe in Jesus and His sacrificial death on the cross!
“… God our Savior, who desires ALL MEN to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)
Notice God the Father is very clearly stating that He would like “all men” to accept the gift of eternal salvation through His Son Jesus, not just 144,000 specially chosen people.
For “WHOEVER calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:12)
Again, notice the word “whoever.” God is not making any exceptions either by race, color, creed, or gender. Our Bible also tells us that God is no respecter of persons and each person is looked upon equally by our God, not just 144,000 specially chosen people.
5. Hell
They do not believe in a literal hell where the unsaved and evil people will suffer eternal torment. They cannot believe that a loving God could create such a horrible place of eternal punishment. They tell their followers that hell is the “grave” where we are buried in when we die, and that the wicked will simply cease to exist and will not have to suffer any type of eternal punishment and torment.
However, our Bible teaches just the opposite. Our Bible says that there will be a Great White Throne Judgment at the end of the 1000 Year Millennium Kingdom. All the unsaved and wicked people will have to appear before the Lord for this final judgment. This verse says that whoever’s name is not written in the Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone where the smoke of their torment will ascend forever and ever.
The Lake of Fire and Brimstone will be the eventual end of Satan, all of his demons, the Antichrist, the False Prophet, and all the rest of unsaved humanity who has ever lived. I believe this passage is literal interpretation! The Bible says exactly what it means and there is simply no other way you can spin or re-interpret these words out of Scripture. The verse on this is found in Revelation 20:7-15.
Conclusion
As you can see from all of the above main differences, Jehovah’s Witnesses can in no way qualify as being a pure true branch of Christianity. I personally believe that God the Father will in no way honor or accept this false religion.
For those of you who are ever led by the Lord to try to witness or debate with some of these people, this article will give you some of the main basic differences between their false beliefs and those of true orthodox Christianity.
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Michael Bradley
Bible Teaching and Bible Commentary,
Over 150 Free Bible LessonsScripture taken from New King James Version.
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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Hi, thanks, many of us believe that there is only one God, one believe. Unfortunately there are more than 38,000 . Which is true? If one were to choose the wrong one, sad case! Better live a life of goodness than believe in dogmas, etc. and leave the rest to God. Tks,
What about Seventh day Adventists, are they true christians?
Maybel I think you should go to jesus-is-savior.com and look at false religions…seventh day adventists is in it too. True Christians believe what the Bible says…you dont add to it or take from it. I only use the KJV of the Bible, there is a sight about the bibles out there and which one we should use backed by tons of facts…called 1611kingjamesbible.com. We accept the Trinity. And whoever believes that Jesus is
cont…Is the son of God (God in the flesh) and he came to die for for us on the cross, and shed his blood to pay for our sins will be saved. Just have faith in Jesus that he is our Savior. Faith + anything else to be saved isnt faith. Majority of false-religions teach you must be good or do good deeds, talk in tongues, keep the sacrements etc to go to heaven if you believe that then you dont believe the Bible. To be born again, you must be convicted of your sins (realize your a sinner worthy of hell) and repent (turn away from your past sins) ask God to give you a new heart and new life, have faith! Thats it!
Tony, as for your question, if you want to know the true religion …religion is what destroyed people constantly seperating making new doctrines…I believe Christianity is not a Religion, being a Christian just means you are a born again believer and you have a personal relationship with Christ…being good wont get you to Heaven. We are all sinners no matter how hard we try not to be. Here is some scripture from the Bible that backs up what I’m telling you…Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…” And again in Ephesians 2:8,9 we are told, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” We are all Hell-deserving sinners! We do NOT have anything to do with salvation except to receive God’s free gift by FAITH. Salvation is receiving; NOT giving.
Charlamaine, thanks so much for the info.
Your Welcome, Maybel I enjoy sharing what I know with people especially about Jesus and the Bible! I read something about it everyday. And I love to share the Gospel because I believe that that is what God layed on my heart to do. God Bless You!
i googled, difference between christians and jehovah witness and found this web site. this is everything i wanted to see. i had an encounter with a witness. i thought i made a good case for the trinity, along with other topics, but i wanted more so i could debate other beliefs they have. thanks for this website.
Hi charlamaine, if i may “with all do respect”, say something about your comment that we are all sinners. thats partially true. we may sin, but because of what jesus did for us ( and if we except it) we are now considered rightous in God’s sight because of what jesus did. so how can we be labeled sinners and rightous at the same time. i hope i explained it ok. i don’t want to be a rightous sinner. does this make sense ??
2nd corinthians 5:21 “for he made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in him”. Thanks, i’ll be eagerly awaiting your responce. i love talking about the Lord too. lol
@Mike…I am just saying that no matter how hard we try on our own we do still sin. If you are born again I believe those sins are forgiven past, present, and future. But no matter how hard even I try to be a good Christian I still sin, and fall short of the Glory of God…many righteous men in the Bible we strive to be like were sinners. Peter sinned by denying Jesus. Yet, Peter was a born-again believer. King David was a Christian; yet he conspired to have a man killed, to cover up an unwanted pregnancy, from an adulterous affair with that man’s wife. Abraham and Sara doubted God. Moses was a murderer. Samson went with a harlot. Jacob was a thief. Jonah ran from God. Noah got drunk. Isaiah was a man of unclean lips. These were God’s best and brightest. Romans 3:10, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.”
Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”but we know all these men went to Heaven…because they were men of Faith
While I am no defender of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, I am very familiar with this particular religion, certainly I am sure more familiar than the author of this article, and there are inaccuracies in his statements. They DO believe that Jesus came in the flesh, and they DO believe that he was resurrected bodily, not as a spirit or ghost. As to other points the author made regarding the 144,000, the scripture the author quotes doesn’t actually state that everyone goes to heaven. It states that everyone is saved who accepts Jesus. The belief that only 144,000 will actually go to heaven and the rest get to live forever in paradise on earth is what the JW’s believe, and is based on their interpretation of scripture. While you may disagree with that interpretation it is irresponsible to mischaracterize their stance.
Let me be clear, I personally despise JW’s, and have plenty of issues with how they interpret things, but this article is skewed and inaccurate, and I can’t abide by irresponsible journalism.
charlamaine; i don’t dispute anything you said, yes we do sin, but do we put our focus on the sins we commit, or do we focus on what we now have in Christ Jesus. Look at romans 6:2. but like everything else we need to read before and after to get the context.
Lisa,
I have already done my research with some very creditable people, along
with talking to quite a few JW’s. They all confirmed what I had written
are some of their basic beliefs and that they do not agree with our
different positions on some of those key issues.
So sorry, will have to respectfully disagree with your conclusions. I do
not know if they have different opinions even among themselves or if they
have changed over the years, but the ones i had talked to about 5 years
ago all agreed with what i had written and I could not persuade them
otherwise.
But I will put up your original post and see if anyone else wants to
comment on it.
Mike
Im sure everyone has something to say about every area of the bible. but just keep one thing as our focus, and that is what Jesus did for us. And now we have ever lasting life. (if you believe)
All religions are man-made and set themselves up to be a mediator between Jesus and you.The 15th chapter of John shows clearly no one is between the branch and the vine(you and Christ).Religions are nothing but big business.A true disciple of Christ guides us to Christ(THE WAY AND THE TRUTH).Then the HOLY Spirit takes over to teach us and seal us in Christ by(THE WORD).Religion killed Christ because they were scared Christ would take all of their followers (Acts 4th chapter).Remember, Salvation is between you and Christ no one else.You will see this on Judgement Day.
Hi Friends!
Thank you for the information on JWs and sharing your views.
I am glad I came across this site.
This is another website that has useful info on JWs and all other world religions.
The website is http://carm.org/jehovahs-witnesses
I’m sure it would answer most of your questions and doubts.
God bless you all!
Lisa is correct.
I am also very familiar with this religion and she is right, they do believe that Jesus came in the flesh, and they do believe that he was resurrected bodily, not as a spirit or ghost. As for the 144,000, I agree the scriptures provided were not good examples. Jahovah Witnessness do believe that only 144,000 will reside in Heaven, and those people are already chosen. However, they also believe that those who call upon Him, or those who are saved will live eternal life and happiness in paradise, which they believe is planet earth. There are many scriptures that talk about going to Heaven and being with God, JW’s believe that these scriptures were directed towards the 12 apostles and the others included in the 144,000.
Also – KJV – Acts 2:31 “He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.” This is just one scripture that talks about Jesus and the crucifiction, Jahovah Witnessess don’t believe hell is a firey doom… They believe it is a place of nothing, no feeling, no thoughts, no… no nothing. And the reason they believe this is because there are several scriptures that say that Jesus went to hell between his death and his resurrection.
0)The watchtower Bible and tract society (JW’s) is a false religion.Just look at what is required for baptism.you must pledge to them instead of father son,and holy spirit and answer 100 or so questions.Then read the requirements in the Bible (Acts 8:26-40)
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Thank you so much! Today I had a jw come to my house and I really didn’t know the exact difference between them and Christians. All I heard was they twisted the Bible around. Now I know and am grateful:)
If the Bible says Christ is the WAY and TRUTH(john14:6)and the Holy Spirit the teacher(john14:26)why do I need the watchtower magazine to teach me their truth and way.Then pledge Allegiance to the watchtower bible and tract soc. and answer alot of their doctrinal questions or I can’t get baptized.CULT,CULT,CULT
This is a very informative discussion regardless of what we believe In. It reminds us the importance of testing and evaluating all those who come to us telling us they are man of God. The solution is simple listen to what you are told , take notes. Pray to God for the guidance of the Lord and the Holy spirit. Check the bible and see whether it contradicts what you have been told. Pray for your family loved ones and all the poor souls that are being led to hell by these false teachers and false religions. For there is only one God who sent His only begotten Son to die for our sins, sickness and diseases so that through Him we can be saved and assured of eternal life. If you go to a church that does not preach God, Jesus The Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of sin through Jesus leave it and pray for those in it so that God can open their eyes to the truth. Let us all love God and show love for one another by asking the Lord to show the light to those who are in the dark.
Yeah, I needed to read something like this, because I met this girl at work, we really hit it off for the first couple hours that we’re talking.. but then the topic got onto religion and she told me that she was a raised Johava’s wittness, and that it’s a huge part of her life. I still talked to her on the phone for a couple nights, hoping that maybe we could keep our separate beliefs, seeing how I was brought up in Pentecostal ism, and I thought that our beliefs had some differences, but for the most part we were both Christians that believes and accepts Jesus as our Lord and saviour. But she said that I basically need to convert to a witness in order for us to date or anything, and that I couldn’t call her house any more unless I converted.. It’s a pretty crappy situation, I wish Christians could just get over themselves, love each other and have unity with one another.
Drake if her religion was the right one she will have quoted some bible verses to you. Also this could have been your chance to talk to her about God and better to use King James Version although difficult at least its closer to the original.
a new commandment i give unto you. that you love one another as i have loved you. by this all men shall know you are my disciples. if you love one another… not if you are jehovah,s witnesses, catholics, adventists, pentecostals, bishops, kings, peasants, rats or cows! just love others! christians can make me sick sometimes but i love them anyways! ford