Six (6) Frequently Asked or
Misunderstood Teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses
1) Is Jesus an Angel? YES
1. Paul referred to Jesus as an angel (messenger) of God. “ but you received me like an angel of God, like Christ Jesus." _Gal 4:14
2. The angel going ahead of the camp of Israel at Exodus 14:19-22 is identified as Jesus at 1Cor 10:1-4.
3. "The angel of the abyss" is king over the symbolic Locusts- the righteous ones. There is only one angel, prince in heaven who is also King over God's people. That person is Jesus Christ. All other angels are princes only, inferior in position to Jesus their brother. A prince becomes a king when he is given the throne to rule, no other princes (sons of God) in heaven will be given God's throne to rule on.
4. Stars are used in the Bible in a figurative sense and in metaphors and similies to represent persons, angels and humans. Job 38:7 parallels "the morning stars" that joyfully cried out at earth's founding with the angelic "sons of God". At Revelation 22:16 Jesus spoke of himself as a Bright Morning Star. "The angel of the abyss" called Abaddon (aka Jesus) who is also king over the symbolic locust is represented by a star. Revelation 9:1,11
IS JESUS MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL? YES
5. The name Michael means ["Who is like God?"]. Scriptural evidence indicates that the name Michael applied to God's Son before he left heaven to become Jesus Christ and also after his return. By retaining the name Jesus after his resurrection, "the Word" shows that he is identical with the Son of God on earth. His resuming his heavenly name Michael and his title name "The Word of God" ties him in with his prehuman existence.
6. The command of Jesus Christ for the resurrection to begin is described as “the archangel’s call,” The voice expressing this commanding call cannot be described by a word that would diminish or detract from the great authority that Jesus now has as King of kings and Lord of lords. [the expression “archangel” is never found in the plural in the Scriptures, thus implying there is only one]. 1 Thes 4:16
7. The responsibilities of the Archangel Michael are identical to Jesus’: (1) he takes the lead in upholding Jehovah’s sovereignty and destroying God’s enemies (2) he takes action against Satan and his demons (3) he delivers God people out of the hands of their oppressors; (4) he is a great Vindicator.
"Michael is repeatedly said to be at the *same place* as the Christ during the *same time period* doing the *same unique thing* as the Christ, but is never seen with the Christ! Kinda like Clark Kent and Superman. This argues that Jesus and Michael are the same, since they both command God's army, the heavenly host of angels." Anonymous.
CATHOLICS AND PROTESTANTS BELIEVE JESUS IS CALLED AN ANGEL (MESSENGER)
1 . “...certain Protestants such as Seventh-day Adventist, the Baptist evangelist Charles Spurgeon and the Presbyterian Commentary author Matthew Henry, believed that the Archangel Michael is not an angel but is instead the uncreated, divine Son of God. In this view “archangel” means “head of angels” rather than ‘head angel,’ and is a title similar to ‘prince of host.’”__ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archangel
2. Men such as John and Charles Wesley founders of the Methodist faith believed Jesus to be a created being firstborn of the Seraphims, the highest group of angels. In John Wesley’s explanatory notes of Daniel 12:1 he refers to Michael the great prince, as the Messiah, the Christ. http://www.christnotes.org/commentary
3. The Catholic prayer, Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus reads: Jesus, angel of great counsel, have mercy on us. Catholics also consider the term angel when applied to Jesus descriptive meaning he is a messenger but not literal, meaning he is a created being. Since Jesus is his earthly name, what Catholics believe to be his personal name in heaven before coming to earth is unknown.
4. Christophany- which is the belief that the "angel of the Lord" mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures is none other than the pre-incarnate Jesus is believed by many protestants eg., Lutherans, Methodist, 7th Day Adventist, some Calvinist, and Anglicans
5, The Greek Septuagint Bible at Isaiah 9:6 refers to Jesus as an "angel of great counsel" and in their footnote a "Wonderful Counselor".
6. Geneva Bible footnotes on Dan 12:1--- "The angel here notes two things: first that the Church will be in great affliction and trouble at Christ's coming, and next that God will send his angel to deliver it, whom he here calls Michael, meaning Christ, who is proclaimed by the preaching of the Gospel." (See http://www.ccel.org/g/geneva/notes/Daniel/12.html)
7. John Calvin---"By Michael many agree in understanding Christ as the head of the Church..." http://www.ccel.org/c/calvin/comment3/comm_vol25/htm/vii.htm)
2.Why Don't You Believe in the Trinity?
- Jehovah (Almighty God) -a uncreated spirit being who exerts tremendous force throughout the universe, the Creator, Heavenly Father, and Only Almighty God in heaven. Compare Isa 40:25 with Php 2:6 and 1 Co 11:3
- Holy Spirit (God's figurative finger) -a controlled force, energy from Jehovah God that he uses to accomplish a variety of his purposes e.g., creation, the Bible. (Lu 11:20; Ex 8:19) When God's active force becomes operative upon humans it is evident. For example Samson, killing a thousand men with the jaw bone of an ox. When holy spirit cease to operate in him he became weak and the Philistines removed his eyes, when it began to operate in him once again Samson brought the house of the Philistines down with over 3,000 men and women inside.
- Jesus (God's only-begotten Son) - a divine/godlike, created spirit being who came down from heaven and took on human form to save the human race.
B) IF JESUS IS NOT ALMIGHTY GOD, WHAT KIND OF A GOD IS HE?
Jesus is a god, lower case "g" (a mighty one, godlike, divine). There is only one God. His name is Jehovah. All others in heaven are godlike.
Theocratic order:
Jehovah God__head over___Christ___head over___ man____head over __woman.
Noteworthy Differences between the God of Jehovah's Witnesses and Trinitarians
JWs: Jehovah God---------[-------Jesus --- Angels ----------]----Humans.
Archangel,Seraphs,Cherubs divine, godlike, mighty ones sons of God Trinitarian: [ Jehovah + Jesus + Holy Spirit ] ----Angels---Humans
Triune God 3 Almighty God Persons Common God, not unique Compound, plural, composite God C) IF JESUS IS A GOD IS HE A FALSE GOD? NO.
A god or godlike being is just that, godlike. Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe Jesus is the true God but neither do they believe he is a false god (mighty one, godlike one). Jesus is called a god because: (1) he acts as God's spokesman, (2) he is superhuman in power in his spirit form, (3) and it was through Jesus his firstborn Son that God created all (other) things. Because these are the reasons he is called a god and he does not receive sacred service (worship) then Jesus is not a false god. Jesus would be a false god if (1) sacred service was rendered to him and (2) he was called the Creator out of whom are all thing (3) he was venerated
Note, Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe mighty ones, godlike ones, should receive sacred service.
3. Who Are the 144,000 and the Other Sheep?
Jehovah's Witnesses believe God divides people into groups for a purpose.
MANKINDIII ----------------------------------------------------------------I II I goatssheep (ungodly and sinners) (marked for survival)
(marked for survival)# in the billionsIHope: Eternal Destruction I
I -------------------------------------------------I II I Little Flock Great Crowd (the church, bride of Christ,"born again") (other sheep/fold) # only 144,000 # in the millions Hope: Heaven Hope: EarthAccurate knowledge along with God’s holy spirit. Many who were taught that heaven is the home for all believers after learning about the wonderful things God has in store for the earth no longer want to go to heaven. Nor do they want to rule as kings and priests with Christ. These belong to the Great Crowd. They have the earthly hope. Contrary to popular belief not everybody wants to go to heaven. Millions of righteous Christians prefer living on the new earth that God promises and residing forever upon it. They want to plant vineyards and eat its fruitage, build houses and occupy them, marry and bring to birth children that are not a disturbance, things that are just not done in heaven.
Those with the heavenly hope...chosen by God for heavenly life (the 144,000) want to go to heaven to co-rule with Christ as kings and priest. They do not desire the things of the flesh like the other sheep, the Great Crowd mentioned above. Heaven will be their home forever. They will not return to earth. These ones are "Born Again".
4 (a-g). Why Do Jehovah's Witnesses
A) GO FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE?
They are making use of the apostolic method of preaching found at Acts 20:20 in carrying out the Great Commission found at Mt 24:14. Their preaching work is a separating work,separating earth's inhabitants into sheep and goats, marking people for survival (Eze 9:1-6) Those marked for survival are dedicated, baptized, have a Christlike personality, and are doing God's Will [fear God and work righteousness]. Doing God's will includes the great commission._ Eze 3:17-19
Why Do Jehovah's Witnesses Knock on Doors of Christians? Because although many belong to Christian faiths Jehovah's Witnesses do no believe they are Christians, footstep followers of Jesus Christ because they do not obey Jesus commands. For example: Jesus said not to call religious men Fathers, yet a number so-called Christians call their priest Fathers. Jesus said sacred service must be rendered to God alone, yet many render sacred service to God's creations.
B) REFUSE TO SALUTE AND PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG?
Because (1) it is an idol (2) Jehovah's Witnesses will not pledge their allegiance to Satan's kingdoms/governments of the world. (See Lu 4:5-7) Jehovah Witnesses respect the flag as a national emblem but they will not worship it- salute it or pledge allegiance to it.
Jehovah's Witnesses are not iconoclast [destroyers of icons and idols]. They speak out against idols but they will not do physical harm to them. Jesus in due time will destroy all idols on earth by destroying idolaters, their way of living will go with them.
C) REFUSE TO VOTE?
Jehovah's Witnesses believe in following Jesus footsteps closely. If Jesus was on earth and worked as a carpenter would he pay taxes? Yes? Then Jehovah's Witnesses will pay taxes. Would Jesus belong to, or side with a political party? No? Then neither will Jehovah's Witnesses belong to, or side with any political party.
(1) As representatives of God's heavenly kingdom they, like Jesus, do not interfere with the political process of Satan's kingdom's/the kingdoms of the world to which they were sent as ambassadors and envoys (2) voting causes divisions among Christians _ 1 Cor 1:10 (3) Jehovah's Witnesses do not want to vote for lawlessness.
D) REFUSE TO SERVE ON JURY DUTY?
While Jehovah's Witnesses judge those inside the Christian congregation and remove the wicked ones from among themselves, they leave the judging of those outside the congregation to God. They will not judge them in a court of law or any place else.
Jehovah's Witnesses concept of what hell is, is different from that of Christendom. Hell never seems to get full. It has no limits. It always hunger for more dead. Therefore hell cannot be a literal place in a specific location (eg. cemeteries or large mass graves) for those can get full. Jehovah's Witnesses believe hell is a figurative location where most of mankind sleep in death, mankind's common grave. So if a person was eaten by wild animals are they still considered to be in hell (the grave)? Yes. Because they are dead. What if someone was cremated and ashes thrown out to sea, are they still in hell? Yes. The sea has become their tomb or grave. What if after centuries their bodies decompose and there is nothing left of them, are they still considered to be in hell (the grave)? Yes. Because they are still dead. Even if someone's ashes is scattered in different places they are still in hell. What if they died in an explosion and there is nothing left of them to bury, are they in hell/the grave? Yes. Because they are dead. To Jehovah's Witnesses
- Hell (eng), Hades (grk), Sheol (heb) all refer to mankind's common grave. These three words are not associated with fire.
If hell is not associated with fire, why did Jesus say the Rich Man in the illustration of the "Rich Man and Lazarus" was in hell burning in a fire? In his illustrations Jesus used prevailing (false) beliefs of the people of his time, to bring across a moral or religious message. He did this in his illustration of the "Good Samaritan". This is also what he did in his illustration of the "Rich Man and Lazarus" . Jesus was not drawing on the false Rabbinic concept of the underworld. Jesus had in mind the fulfillment of the illustration and framed its details and movement in harmony with the facts of the fulfillment rather than according to the Pharisees unscriptural teaching of the dead. Those who interpret Jesus illustrations literally miss the religious meaning they are meant to convey.
- Hellfire (eng), Lake of Fire (grk), Gehenna (heb) are all associated with fire. All three words symbolize eternal destruction. Once something is destroyed by fire you cannot get it back. In the Bible, fire is used to symbolize everlasting destruction. Death is a state and cannot be literally hurled into a fire. Death hurled into the Lake of Fire simply means death (inherited from Adam) will be destroyed forever!
FACT 1: Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in eternal torments for the "wages of sin is death".
FACT 2: Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe dead people (people no longer alive, who cease existing), can experience literal torment, eg. "Lazarus and the Rich Man" which is a parable.
FACT 3. Jehovah's Witnesses believe God would be guilty of Double Jeopardy if he was to resurrect people to punish them for sins they committed while they were alive, when they have been acquitted of those sins when they died...."the wages of sin is death". If imperfect humans know this would be unjust, how could a just God not know this? Jehovah's Witnesses believe the worse thing God will do to the wicked dead is to leave them dead, jail them forever in death!
***** See bad fruit # 3 "Bloodguilty" -- 30 Bad Fruits of counterfeit Christian Religions*****
a) Its association with impersonal things - Its association with such things as water and fire (Mt 3:11; Mr 1:8) and Christians are spoken of as being baptized "in holy spirit". Persons are urged to become “filled with spirit” instead of with wine. Persons are spoken of as being filled with it along with such qualities as wisdom and faith. It is unlikely that that such expressions would be made if the holy spirit were a divine person.
b) It lacks personal identification- All spirit persons have a personal relationship to God and have personal names. Angels are sons of God. Jesus is the only-begotten Son of God. If the holy spirit is a divine person what is his "personal" relationship to God (Son, Uncle?) and what is his "personal" name (Michael, Timothy, Gabriel)?
Note, Jehovah and Jesus are personal names of the Father and Son respectively. Neither Jehovah nor Jesus is the "personal" name of the holy spirit.
c) Personification does not prove personality- The bible speaks of ones who "grieve," "play false to," or "lie to," the holy spirit. Jesus spoke of the holy spirit as a "helper" and spoke of such helper as "teaching," "guiding," "speaking," hearing," and "receiving. However it is not unusual for something that is not actually a person to be personalized or personified.
Wisdom is said to have “works “ and “children.” Paul speaks of sin as "receiving an inducement," "working out covetousness” "seducing," "killing." Yet it is obvious Paul did not mean that sin was actually a person. While some texts refer to the spirit as 'witnessing,’ ‘speaking,' or ‘saying things,' other texts make clear that it spoke through persons, having no personal voice of its own. As to the spirit bearing witness the same thing is said of water and blood. 1 John 5:6-8 God is the source of holy spirit so blasphemy against holy spirit is blasphemy against God.d) Its appearance- When angels appear, they appear as persons. However when the spirit appears it is either as a dove, tongues of fire, a cloud, but never as a person.
Jehovah's Witnesses understanding of salvation is as follows:
Worship Jehovah the only True God + Faith in Jehovah (the Heavenly One/Father) and in Jesus his Son (Leader/Teacher), accompanied by Obedience to their Commands = Salvation
another way of looking at it is:
God's grace [undeserved kindness] + Faith accompanied by Righteous Works = Salvation
By righteous works Jehovah's Witnesses mean works involved in worshiping God
- going to religious meetings, singing, glorifying God, praying etc.. Heb 10:25
- disciple-making work-- 1 Tim 4:16; Matt 28:19; Eze 3:17-19
- avoiding works of the flesh-- Gal 5:19-21
- baptism-- 1Pet 3:21; Matt 28:19; Acts 10:34,35
- ministering to the holy ones--Heb 6:10;Mt 25:35-40; Heb 2:11
Jehovah's Witnesses practice righteous works motivated by:
- written law..they take delight in the law of God (Matt 19:16,17)
- faith.. they show their faith by their works (Jas 2:17, 18, 26; Eccl 12:13,14)
- love/fear of God.. move them to Godly action (1 Joh 5:3; Deut 5:29)
5 (a-g). Are Jehovah's Witnesses
A) UNITARIANS? NO.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are UNI- or Monotheist in their concept of God in that they worship only Jehovah as God; as oppose to BINI- who worship Jehovah and Jesus as God; and TRINI- who worship Jehovah, Jesus, and holy spirit as God. Although Jehovah's Witnesses are (UNI) in their concept of God, they do not consider themselves Unitarians for the same reason they do not consider themselves Catholics or Protestants-because these faiths adhere to a set of beliefs (tenets) Jehovah’s Witnesses consider apostasy.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are not Protestants because they were not a part of, nor do they adhere to the tenet and goals of the Protestant Reformation. The religion that Jehovah’s Witnesses advocate is, not one of negative protest, but one of positive instructions.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are Christians but are dissimilar to other Christian faiths. There are four distinct faiths which adhere to very distinct tenets in Christianity. They are: Protestants (denominational and non-denominational), Catholics, Mormons, and Jehovah’s Witnesses. The latter two often referred to as cults because their teachings are said to be “unorthodox”. Mormons want so badly to be a part of Christendom that they have changed their concept of God to the trinity just so they can fit in. Jehovah’s Witnesses are not a cult and want no part of Christendom. Of the four, Jehovah’s Witnesses are the only Christian faith that does not have divisions which is an identifying mark of the truth faith. C) CHRISTIANS? YES.
Christians are baptized disciples, footstep followers, of the greatest religious teacher who ever lived__Jesus Christ. Christians follow the teachings of Christ. It was in Syrian Antioch that 1st Century disciples of Christ were by divine providence called Christians. In what way do Jehovah’s Witnesses follow Jesus footsteps closely?
- In imitation of Jesus disciples are sent out in twos; from house to house, from town to town, and into all the nations of the earth declaring the Good News of the Kingdom__ Lu 10:1; Mt 28:19,20
- Like Jesus they recognize Jehovah as the ONLY TRUE GOD and accept Jesus as the Messiah sent forth by Jehovah.__ Joh 17:3
- In imitation of Jesus they continue to make known the name of God (JeHoVaH)__ John 17:6
- They recognize they are under law towards the Christ and obediently subject themselves to such law.__ Gal 6:2
- In imitation of Jesus they joyfully submit themselves to doing the Father’s Will even to the point of death.__ Php 2:8; Mt. 7:21; Lu 22:42
D) POLYTHEIST NO.
Jehovah's Witnesses worship only Jehovah as God. This is in sharp contrast to Binitarians and Trinitarians who worship 1 and 2 other gods respectively in addition to Jehovah God. They have broken Jehovah’s command: “You must not have any other gods against my face.” “To whom will you people liken me or make [me] equal or compare me that we may resemble each other?” says Jehovah. Jehovah is without like or equal. Binitarians and Trinitarians worship a plural God whereas the God of Jehovah’s Witnesses is singular, One Almighty God Person.__ Ex. 20:3; Isa.46:5; Ps 89:6; Acts 17:29,30
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe there are many that are called gods in heaven and on earth because that is what the Bible says. (see 1 Co 8:5,6; Ps 82:1) However they are aware that Jehovah is the Only true God and that those called gods are not true gods. For example: Jehovah is the Only True God by reason of (1)His creatorship - Out of Him are all things (2)He is Not begotten, Uncreated, Self-existent, the 1st Cause. Before him there was no God formed and after him there continues to be none!Those called gods are not true gods for the same reasons Jehovah is truly God. Note, when referring to Jehovah, the "G" in the word God is ALWAYS in capital letter which is not the case for those called gods. This distinction with upper and lower case "G", "g" though not in every language helps to lessen the confusion between the True God Jehovah and those called gods in heaven and on earth.- Jesus is called a god- "His pre-eminent position among God's creation as firstborn the one through whom God created all (other) things, and as God's spokesman gives basis for him being called a god."
- Satan is called a god at 2 Co 4:4 because of his dominance over men and demons. Satan is a false god because he sets himself up to receive sacred service unlike Jesus who directed all sacred service to God._ Lu 4:6-8
Eg. Sacred prayer Jesus directed to God,while non-sacred prayer Jesus and humans have received.- God call angels gods because they are mighty ones possessing divine nature (godlike nature), they are superhuman in power.
- God acknowledge idol gods (false gods), as gods, because humans give to them sacred service. For example: Dagon, Zeus, Shiva, and man-made images._ Ex 12:12
- God call mighty ones among men (e.g. Moses, Judges of Israel) "gods", because they act as his spokesmen._ Ex 7:1
- Humans who set themselves up as gods are called false gods (e.g. Popes)
E) A CULT? NO.
Reasons why a religion can be called a cult and why Jehovah's Witnesses are not a cult:
- Teaching Said to be Unorthodox
Jehovah's Witnesses Strictly Adhere to the bible -they believe the standard from what is orthodox, should be based solely on God's Word and not on the teachings of some church
- Emphasizes Devotion According to Prescribed Rituals
Jehovah's Witnesses Worship is a way of life- not a ritual devotion, or formality. Members endeavor to apply Bible standards in their lives not only at their house of worship but in their family life, at work, in school, and in recreation.
- Follow a Human Leader
Jehovah's Witnesses do not look to any human, but rather to Jesus Christ as their leader. (Matt 23:8,10) Christ is the head of the Christian congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Charles Taze Russell and his associates are merely shepherds used by God to shepherd his flock. Charles Taze Russell always pointed to Christ as the one believers should follow.
- Adherents Live in Groups Apart From the Rest of Society
Jehovah's Witnesses do not isolate themselves from the rest of society- they live and work in the midst of other people. Politically, religiously, economically, and socially they do not mix with the world (unbelievers) because they were commanded not to by their leader, the Christ. John 19:15; Joh 6:15; 1 Joh 2:15-17
- Use Mind Control - behavioral, thought, emotional, informational
Because Jehovah's Witnesses strictly adhere to the bible they are at times falsely accused of using "mind control" on their members. For example:
control behavior and emotions -through disfellowshiping (1 Cor 5:10-12) If any Ex-Jehovah's Witness [disfellowshiped or disassociated] feel damaged emotionally, it is not their former religion, but their wicked unrepentant or unforgiving heart that is causing them emotional pain. What about the emotional pain Jehovah feels. (Gen 6:6) Jehovah's Witnesses quit mixing in company with them because they are told to at 1st Corinthians.
control thought and information- (Tim 1:14; 2 Joh 10)Jehovah's Witnesses feel as many do, you are what you eat. If you feed your mind junk, you will become a spiritually and morally weak Christian. The shepherds are there to teach the people the difference between a right and wrong thing. This includes giving sound guidance as to what would be considered wholesome for Christians and what to avoid (in dressing, entertainment, reading, etc). If sheep could guide themselves there would be no need for shepherds.
- Believe Their Religion is the Only Right One
If Jehovah's Witnesses believed otherwise, they would be guilty of the sin of causing divisions and sects. Why would they want to form a group if there is already one that they believe is speaking the truth and is holy, if not to cause divisions? Protestants recite the Creed they believe in the "one holy Catholic and apostolic church" yet they are not Catholics. If they believe the Catholic church is holy, why are they not a part of it? Why are they practicing divisions and sects..works of flesh.. which God hates?
F) A SECT? NO.
A common misconception about Jehovah's Witnesses is that they are a sect of, or an offshoot of Adventism. This of course is not true. A sect is define as:
- A group that has broken away from an established religion.
- Follow a human leader or teacher
Jehovah's Witnesses are not an offshoot of Adventism but include persons from all walks of life and from many religious backgrounds. Jehovah's Witnesses do not have a single belief in common with Adventist----eg. Michael/Jesus, 2nd Advent, Soul Sleep- are all interpreted differently by Jehovah's Witnesses. Nor do Jehovah's Witnesses follow imperfect humans as Leaders, Teachers, or Fathers like others do, even setting aside a special Sunday (Reformation Sunday, All Saints Day, etc.) to honor them. Matt 23:8-10
Denominations (sects) and cults of Adventism: Advent Christian Church; Christadelphians;Seventh-day Adventist Church; Church of God (Seventh-Day); Church of God General Conference; Church of the Blessed Hope; Seventh Day Adventist Reform Mov't;Davidian SDA (Shepherd's Rod); United Seventh-Day Brethren; Primitive Advent Christian Church; Sabbath Rest Advent Church
Cults -Branch Davidians under David Koresh who believed himself to be Jesus Christ. Koresh and his followers died on their compound in Wako, Texas fighting the FBI and ATF. "Branch Dividians branch from the Davidian Seventh Day Adventists ("Davidians"), a reform movement that began within the Seventh-day Adventist Church"_wikipedia
G) A FALSE PROPHET? NO.
Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe the fundamental meaning of the word "prophet" is one of prediction. A true prophet is one who knows and speaks the will of God. (1 Jo 2:17) With the formation of the Christian congregation and the completion of the Bible the miraculous gifts of the spirit which were once used to distinguish a true prophet from false ones, has been DONE AWAY WITH. (1 Cor 13:8) Jesus gave the KEY MARK as to how one would distinguish a true prophet from false ones. Jesus said, "By their fruits you will know them", not by some miraculous ability to intepret prophesy without error.
Since the true Christian religion is not infallible, and therefore would not be free from error, one as to look at the fruits produced by the religion to determine if it is a true prophet or a false one. In other words, the true Christian religion would bear good fruits. It would have MORE SOUND DOCTRINES, and MORE GODLY CONDUCT than false prophets [i.e., false religions]. The righteousness of the true Christian religion would abound more than that of false prophets, false Christian religions. "because I tell you, unless your righteousness greatly exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees (false prophets), you will never enter the kingdom of heaven!"(Matt 5:20) Also among Christian religions that are not afraid of intrepreting prophesies for fear of being called false prophets; the true Christian religion have MORE PROPHESIES INTERPRETED CORRECTLY. It is in this sense that Jehovah's Witnesses are, a true prophet of God.6. What Must I Do to Be Saved? You will need
- Allegiance to God. Soon God’s kingdom will crush Satan’s Kingdoms and all their supporters so it can rule in peace. Is your allegiance to God and his kingdom or to one of Satan’s kingdoms of the world?__ Dan 2:44
- Righteousness, through obedience to God’s morality It is not the hearers who are declared righteous; it is the doers that are declared righteous. Become a DOER of God’s Word and not a hearer only. Do not be deceived by the teachings of apostates who claim: “works of obedience takes away from the ‘complete work of the cross,’" or “obedience is not a part of the salvation plan” or “only dead faith (faith apart from works) is needed in order to be saved”. Many apostates deny works because they feel if a man lives a faithful and virtuous life it creates the sense of having earned salvation. They will misinterpret certain scriptures to back up their false assumption. Jas 2:26; Rom 2:13
- Knowledge. Not just any knowledge but accurate knowledge. God MUST be worshiped in truth. If God is not worshiped in TRUTH your worship is in vain.__ Joh 17:3; Jo 4:24; Eph 4:13; 1 Ti 6:20
The true Christian religion is a symbolic A.R.K. It will provide protection from God’s impending destruction. (Zep 1:18) Like Noah’s ARK the symbolic A.R.K., the true Christian religion does not contain multiple families. Each Christian faith is a different spiritual family. It contains only one small spiritual family--the family that built it. Acts 15:14
Noteworthy: Each of God’s mass destruction resulted in the survival of only one small family. In Noah’s Day only one small family of 8 survived; Sodom and Gomorrah only one small family of 3 survived. History always repeats itself___ Matt 7:13,14
Twelve (12) Marks Of The True Christian Faith
1. Worship God and make Known God's Holy Name-- The true Christian faith renders sacred service to God ALONE and magnify God's holy name [Jehovah], while false Christian faiths render sacred service to the creations most notably Jesus and Mary.
2. Holy- Its actions Godly, it's doctrines Biblical. [1Pet 1:16]-- The true Christian faith preaches the pure, unmixed word of God. Its houses of worship are free from idols such as national flags, the cross, and graven images of saints and angels.
3. Unity in the true faith [Eph 4:13]-- The True Christian Faith will not tolerate divisions (associate churches). To accept divisions is to accept apostasy.
4. Worship is a Way of life not some ritualistic devotion-- The true Christian faith do all things for God's glory. It practice what it preach. Acts 9:1,2; 1 Cor 10:31; Rom 12:1,2
5. No Part of the World [Joh 17:16]-- It is not involved in nationalism, politics, and class struggles. It is separate from the world and its affairs and from control of the state.
6. No part of Babylon the Great [Rev 18: 2, 4,5; 2Co 6:17] -- "Babylon the Great’ embraces all religions, whose doctrines and practices are out of harmony with the knowledge of God." The true Christian faith is no part of Babylon the Great.
7. Found worldwide [Mat 28:19] -- The true Christian faith can be found in every nation
8. Demonstrate True Faith in Christ -- It demonstrate true faith in Christ through works of OBEDIENCE to Christ commands. It shows its faith by its works.
9. Not a Sect [Tit: 3:10, 11] -- It does not follow a human leader- Its one leader is the Christ. It rejects derisive nicknames given to it by its enemies, especially those that foster a sectarian spirit.
10. It promotes brotherly love, high moral standards, and respect for God's Word. -- Members love one another and maintain a fine conduct among the nations (a) They do not fight carnal wars. (b)They do not live together before marriage. (d) Members show genuine concern for their brothers in the faith during times of distress (e) Members are taught to overcome political, racial, and economic barriers that divine people.
11. Not a Large Faith [Mt 7:14] -- There is an old saying: There is safety in numbers. Not so with salvation. Safety lies not in numbers but among those who have the right concept of God and are faithfully doing God’s will. History has always shown these ones to be small in number. "How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are FEW." [ Mt 7:14- NAB] 1 Pet 3:20; 2 Pet 2:6-9; Lu 13:24
12. Members are Active Witnesses concerning God's Kingdom [Mat 24:14] --
Active ministry, not ritual, comprises their worship. Matt 28:19,20; Matt 24:14; Jas 1:22; 2:24
"..narrow is the gate and constricted is the road that leads to life,
and there are few who find it!" Matt 7:14
If you are interested in learning about the beliefs and teachings of Jehovah Witnesses, or in a free home bible study, please go to the Official Website of Jehovah’s Witnesses @ www.watchtower.org
This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God
and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ. Jo 17:3
