Exposing the False Teachings of the Jehovah’s Witness Cult

28 May 2024 admin Teachings Comments Off on Exposing the False Teachings of the Jehovah’s Witness Cult
The JW Cult
The JW Cult
Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs) have many beliefs that differ significantly from what the Bible teaches. It is important to understand these differences because the Jesus they preach is not the Jesus revealed in the Bible, and the gospel they teach is not the gospel the Apostles preached. According to the Bible, this means they are under God's curse.

Jehovah’s Witnesses (JWs) have many beliefs that differ significantly from what the Bible teaches. It is important to understand these differences because the Jesus they preach is not the Jesus revealed in the Bible, and the gospel they teach is not the gospel the Apostles preached. According to the Bible, this means they are under God’s curse.

Different Jesus

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in a different version of Jesus than what the Bible teaches:

  1. Jesus is Michael the Archangel: JWs teach that Jesus is actually Michael the Archangel. This is not what the Bible says. The Bible teaches that Jesus is God. John 1:1 (NASB) says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
  2. Jesus is a created being: JWs believe that Jesus was the first creation of Jehovah. The Bible teaches that Jesus is eternal and was not created. Colossians 1:16-17 (NASB) says, “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”

Different Gospel

The gospel taught by Jehovah’s Witnesses is also different from the biblical gospel:

  1. Salvation through works: JWs believe that faith in Jesus is not enough for salvation. They teach that good works, such as door-to-door evangelism and adherence to their teachings, are necessary for salvation. The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB) says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
  2. Denial of the Trinity: JWs deny the doctrine of the Trinity. They believe that Jehovah is the only true God and that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not equal to Him. The Bible teaches the Trinity, that God is one being in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 (NASB) says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

Under God’s Curse

The Apostle Paul warned against false gospels. Galatians 1:8-9 (NASB) says, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!” According to this scripture, preaching a different gospel places one under God’s curse.

False Teachers

Charles Taze Russell, the founder of the Bible Student movement, and successive presidents of the Watch Tower Society, Joseph Franklin Rutherford, and Nathan Homer Knorr, are false teachers because they preached a false gospel built on lies and opposing biblical teachings:

  1. Charles Taze Russell: Russell claimed that traditional Christian beliefs were corrupt and that he had restored true Christianity. His teachings contradict the Bible in many ways, including the nature of Jesus and the path to salvation.
  2. Joseph Franklin Rutherford: Rutherford introduced many new doctrines that deviated from biblical Christianity, such as the denial of the Trinity and the belief that only 144,000 people will go to heaven.
  3. Nathan Homer Knorr: Knorr continued to promote and expand upon the false teachings of his predecessors, reinforcing doctrines that contradict the Bible.

Five Doctrines of Jehovah’s Witnesses That Contradict Biblical Teachings

  1. Jesus is Michael the Archangel: As mentioned earlier, JWs believe Jesus is Michael the Archangel, which is not supported by the Bible. The Bible teaches that Jesus is God. John 1:1 (NASB) says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
  2. Jesus is a created being: JWs teach that Jesus was created by Jehovah. The Bible teaches that Jesus is eternal. Colossians 1:16-17 (NASB) says, “For by Him all things were created… He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
  3. Denial of the Trinity: JWs deny the Trinity. The Bible teaches the Trinity. Matthew 28:19 (NASB) says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
  4. Salvation through works: JWs believe that works are necessary for salvation. The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB) says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
  5. Only 144,000 will go to heaven: JWs teach that only 144,000 people will go to heaven. The Bible teaches that all who believe in Jesus will have eternal life. John 3:16 (NASB) says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

False Prophecies of Jehovah’s Witnesses

  1. 1914 Prediction: JWs predicted that Jesus would return in 1914. This did not happen. The Bible teaches that no one knows the day or hour of Jesus’ return. Matthew 24:36 (NASB) says, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.”
  2. 1918 Resurrection: They predicted that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the faithful prophets would be resurrected in 1925. This did not happen. Hebrews 11:13 (NASB) says, “All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.”
  3. 1975 End Times: JWs predicted the end of the world in 1975. This did not happen. Deuteronomy 18:22 (NASB) says, “When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come true, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.”
  4. Failed Leadership Predictions: Various JW leaders have predicted events that did not come to pass, demonstrating false prophecy. The Bible strictly warns against false prophets. Jeremiah 23:16 (NASB) says, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who are prophesying to you. They are leading you into futility; they speak a vision of their own imagination, not from the mouth of the Lord.'”
  5. Kingdom Setup in 1914: JWs believed God’s Kingdom was set up invisibly in 1914. The Bible teaches the visible return of Jesus. Revelation 1:7 (NASB) says, “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.”

Conclusion

Understanding these differences is crucial. The Jesus and gospel of the Jehovah’s Witnesses do not align with the Jesus and gospel revealed in the Bible. Recognising this helps us share the true gospel with love and clarity, ensuring that we point people to the true salvation found only in Jesus Christ, as revealed in the Bible. Let us hold fast to the truth of God’s Word and pray for those who are led astray by false teachings.

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