WHY I AM NOT A JEHOVAH’S WITNESS

 
INTRODUCTION

I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. Isaiah 43:10-11

Give thanks to Jehovah, you people! Call upon his name.
Make known among the peoples his dealings.
Make mention that his name is put on high. Isaiah 12:4



As a member of the Church of Christ, founded by Jesus Christ in Jerusalem in 33AD, we witness for Jehovah. We stand up for God and Christ at every opportunity. But we have no interest in becoming a member of Jehovah’s Witnesses, formed by Charles Taze Russell in Pittsburgh, PA back in the late 1870s. (Later significant organizational and doctrinal changes were made under the leadership of Joseph Rutherford.)

Today Witnesses believe their church to be a restored form of first-century Christianity. We agree that what this world needs is to return to the original teaching of the apostles. The main error made by the Reformation in the 1500s was to “reform” erroneous teachings of that day and not to “restore” the original ordinances as delivered by the apostles.

There is much compromise and perversion of apostolic doctrine in mainstream Christianity. At the same time we find some of the Witnesses’ teachings to be as erroneous as any of the others.

They begin by offering truthful statements about Jesus and the Bible. This gently persuades the reader to accept all they say as the truth. Next they alter or add certain other dogma that seems acceptable. This is a subtle but effective method of tempting the uninitiated into their system of beliefs.

They firmly teach the “truth” as they see it. To have God on your side gives one a feeling of strength. But is He really? They feel their Governing Body has a monopoly on the truth and refuse to consider challenges to their interpretation of the Bible. They are confident all mainstream Christianity is in error and only “Witnesses” have the truth. Unfortunately the “truth” is often taken out of context, with whole doctrines taken from a single verse without regard to preceding statements that would influence the meaning of that verse.

Taking one verse out of context is not good scholarship. When there is a disagreement they staunchly offer other verses that are off the point, similar but sound reasonable. These are excellent debate tactics of obfuscation and dancing around the issue but confusing to the uninitiated Bible student. (Which is where they get many of their converts!)

To assist with their novel interpretations they have their own version of the Bible, the New World Translation (NWT).

We have noticed that when they state their position the response is genuine and heartfelt, confident and upbeat. But never open to debate. They refuse to consider their doctrines are not correct. It might take a half hour to cover an issue, with many Bible verses covered, often rambling and complicated with no straight line to an answer. It’s like they are drowning and trying to tread water, floundering around, trying this verse and that, anything that seems similar.

Witness teachings include the use of a personal name for God, Jehovah, and the belief that making this name known to others is an important part of worship. (Hence their reputation for persistent door to door evangelism.) They believe that Jesus' death was necessary to atone for the sin brought into the world by the first man, Adam, opening the way for the hope of everlasting life for mankind here on earth. From there they believe there is a small ‘flock’ of 144,000 men, already selected and anointed by the Holy Ghost, who will enjoy immortal life in heaven as co-rulers with Christ. Their first duty will be to guide mankind to perfection during the Millennial Reign.

To my Witness friends, we understand this is how you see the gospel. We see that you sincerely believe in the accuracy of the narrative that you accepted.

However, please note that there is another narrative! Yes, there has been much error in the Christian community over the centuries, many manmade traditions have been added to distort the innocence of the gospel.

We cannot criticize their constant spreading of their version of the gospel. We can only compare the Watchtower* version with Scripture, refute some errors and invite you to consider an alternative.

This report contains twelve items that Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that we have found contradicted by Scripture. Several of their beliefs are based on verses taken out of context with the contrary evidence found only a few verses before or after the verse they cite.

* The Watchtower is a magazine publication started by Charles Taze Russell on July 1, 1879 under the title Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence. It has changed names several times but remains as the primary means of spreading the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Warning: If you have been trained and teach as a Jehovah Witness please be advised, your Governing Body would like you to leave this page immediately!

Table of Contents

  1. 144,000 in Heaven
  2. Blood transfusions
  3. Death absolves us of our sins
  4. Baptism is a sign
  5. Enjoy eternity here on earth
  6. Man is a soul
  7. Jesus cannot forgive sin
  8. Trinity Rejected
  9. Lord’s Meal once a year
  10. Jesus was an angel
  11. God is married
  12. The Kingdom is in heaven
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1- 144,000 total in heaven

Watchtower position:

Jesus revealed that he would not be alone in ruling his Kingdom. There would be 144,000 humans chosen to go to heaven and rule with him. The others that are “saved” will remain on earth for a life of bliss for all of eternity.

(This is a rather long explanation. The ‘144,000’ is one of the main doctrines of their faith and we want to examine it closely.)

Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

(According to the official JW’s position, these two statements are intended solely for his disciples. People reading the Bible today need to understand that Christ was not talking to you.)

Rev 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

The Watchtower Society understands this to mean the “little flock” will be composed of exactly 144,000 disciples of Christ/Jehovah in the heavenly kingdom. (Note: The kingdom will only be in heaven.)

(The 144,000 is composed of the 12 apostles, the disciples who followed Christ, all original members of the Lord’s church at Corinth, Ephesus, Rome, etc. and others who were called down through the centuries. In 2007 AD the final 8,700 are still alive. When they die off the world, as we know it, will end and the 144,000 will be in heaven and all other Christians will live on earth. –ed.) The Heavenly Kingdom took effect in 1914 CE with the enthronement of Christ as King. The ‘anointed class’ of about 135,300 people currently in attendance. All were selected after Christ's ascension into heaven at Pentecost (33 CE) and during subsequent centuries. The selection of the full complement of 144,000 was completed in 1935 CE. Some 8,700 are still living on earth (as of 2007 CE). They will spend eternity as spirit creatures in heaven with God and Christ and will rule over the other Jehovah’s Witnesses who remain on earth. Those spending eternity on earth are what Jehovah’s Witnesses call the Great Crowd or Other Sheep.

And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
Rev 14:2-4

The term “virgins” is a symbol and means that their lives are not defiled by the world.

Rev 14:5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

They were pleasing to God and the Lamb.

2 Cor 11:1-3 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband,that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

The 144,000 would be, as chaste virgins, (i.e. undefiled by the world) the only ones in the new covenant.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Romans 8:16

They are also in the Kingdom covenant with Jesus (Lk 22:29)

Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:28-30

Jesus spoke these words to his disciples that had been with him during his earthly ministry. They, and only those that will later be anointed by the Holy Spirit, will sit at his table in the kingdom.

Refuted by:

1. Little Flock are the Jews who will become Christian; The larger flock will be the gentiles who become Christian; The 144,000 are simply the firstfruits (first of many) who will enter heaven.

2. The kingdom of God includes the kingdom of Christ which is here on earth now.

First, we wonder why Christ needs any assistance in ruling anything. Nevertheless, the Bible tells me that the 144,000 will not be the only humans but the first, to be followed by others.

Rev 14:3-4 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

What they seem to overlook is that the 144,000 are the “firstfruits,” Common usage is that “firstfruits” means the first of the harvest. Thus we understand there will be more than 144,000. We join with God and Jesus and all the angels in heaven in hoping there will be multitudes more! Jesus came to save the world, not a limited few.

From Rev 7:4 we see the 144,000 are the converted Jews, the firstfruits of Christianity:

And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Rev 7:4

For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. Isaiah 54:3

Then, in v9 we see a multitude “which no man could number” were added later. We suggest these are the Gentiles.

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; Rev 7:9

1 Cor 15:20-24 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

We see Christ is included in “the firstfruits.” Does that mean he is part of the 144,000? No, only that he was the first to be resurrected and others will follow, a multitude no man can number.

Notice, the kingdom is here on earth and then delivered up to heaven where God will rule without the assistance of any mere man. The terms, “kingdom,” “kingdom of Christ,” “heavenly kingdom” all refer to the same group. A fraternity of virtuous beings, humans, angels and spirits, seeking righteousness!

The claim that the 144,000 are the only ones in the new covenant is a tortuous reading of Scripture. Romans 8:16 reads, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Jehovah’s Witness claim the “we” is for only a few individuals selected by the Holy Spirit, the 144,000. Scripture itself makes no such distinction. ‘We’ could be anyone who answers the gospel call.

To claim only Jehovah’s Witnesses are in the Kingdom covenant with Jesus is based on a similar tortuous reading of Lk 22:29: “And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me.” Witnesses claim this kingdom was only for the apostles and subsequently for those that were ‘anointed’ members of the Christian congregation.

At the Last Supper he spoke those words to the apostles and they soon became part of his kingdom. Peter, given the keys to the kingdom by Jesus Christ, used those keys (Read Acts 2: 14-41) to open the door and 3000 entered and became members that day. Later the kingdom was open to Gentiles and all who came to be saved from the worldly ways of the sinners.

Heb 8:8-11 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

“OTHER SHEEP”

John records Christ as saying,

John 10:14-16 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Remember, under Moses’ Law the Jews were the ‘elect,’ the chosen people of God while the rest of the world was pagan, unworthy of consideration.

The “sheep” referred to are the Jews. They, ‘the elect’ received the invitation to join the kingdom first. The “other sheep... not of this fold” were the Gentiles, the rest of the world. The elect of God included only the Jews until the gospel was made available to the rest of the world with the conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10). Thus, Christ became shepherd, not only to the converted Jews, but also to all mankind who accepted and obeyed the gospel of Christ. With the conversion of Cornelius there was one fold and Christ is the shepherd. To limit the kingdom to only 144,000 contradicts Scripture.

John 12:47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

The Watchtower Society interprets the “saved” condition belongs to two groups: the 144,000 in heaven and those that remain on earth forever. We contend the 144,000 are the first Christians composed of Jewish and Gentile converts, along with the martyrs who died in agony proclaiming Christ as Lord. These are the first of many that will be in heaven. The ‘other sheep’ are the gentiles who will answer the gospel call and spend eternity in heaven.

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2- BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS

Watchtower position:

The Watchtower teaches that blood transfusions are wrong.

But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. Gen 9:4

Lev 17:10-12 And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people. For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood.

Transfusions are direct into the bloodstream, the same as when an unconscious person is fed via intravenous feeding. Because the process is the same as eating therefore a transfusion is “eating” blood and violates God’s commandment.

There are alternate methods to transfusion that are simple and safe. One method is for a Jehovah Witness to set aside, whenever possible, his own blood prior to hospitalization.

Refuted by:

Matthew 12 describes the Pharisees questioning Jesus as to whether it was lawful for a man to heal on the Sabbath. He asked them if there was one among them that, if his sheep fell into a pit, would not lift it out on the Sabbath. The mercy of saving a life preceded the law of the Sabbath. The Pharisees made rules where none existed and the Witnesses seem to be doing the same.

It would appear this is another case of taking a verse out of context. We include v3 along with v4:

Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. Gen 9:3-4

Notice v3 refers to eating meat in addition to the vegetation they had been eating. In v4 the warning is against eating the blood of those animals.

God’s admonition against eating blood may have been a result of the pagan practice of drinking blood during their religious ceremonies. This was abhorrent to God and His people are to avoid this. Even today Wiccans and Voodoo priests include drinking blood in their “religious” ceremonies.

Regardless, the Witnesses’ “acceptable” method of setting aside one’s own blood prior to hospitalization seems to contradict their own teaching. Gen 9:4 does not say eating your own blood is okay, it says you should not eat blood. We question how “eating” one’s own blood is better than “eating” someone else’s.

Because of the Witnesses’ teaching many have vigorously avoiding getting blood transfusions, “for religious reasons” and all but a few have died. We applaud their zeal and trying to do God’s will. However we question whether this is really God’s will.

If this was God’s intent they are to be commended for laying their life on the line for their religious beliefs. On the other hand, pagans drinking blood to satisfy their deity is not the same as a lifesaving instance to provide blood. Additionally, to compare a life-saving intravenous injection with eating blood is making the same mistake as the Pharisees who criticized Christ for healing on the Sabbath!

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3- DEATH ABSOLVES US OF OUR SINS

Watchtower position:

Whenever someone dies his sins are erased at his death. This is proven by Romans 6:23 and Romans 6:7

Romans 6:23 (KJV)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord. (NWT) (JW’s own Bible)

The Watchtower teaches that our death severs our connection to our Adamic sin and, except for the extremely vile, everyone is born anew into the afterlife. They then are given a thousand years to learn God’s ways and are either accepted for living on the earth for the rest of eternity or they will die a second death.

Refuted by:

In the Bible there are two meanings for the word “death.” One is the physical death all living creatures will experience. The other is a spiritual death that one suffers when separated from our Creator. It is the same death referred to when God told Adam and Eve they would surely die if they ate of the fruit. They ate and were expelled from the Garden of Eden. They suffered spiritual death when they were separated from God and they suffered physical death years later.

By citing Rom 6:23 the Witnesses are taking one verse out of context and overlooking the full explanation. Reading from verse 17 we see that the Roman congregation has obeyed from the heart the doctrine as delivered by the apostles. Being made free from sin they became servants of righteousness. Previously their flesh was weak and they yielded to sin but now they yield to righteousness. When they were servants of sin they did things for which they are now ashamed. For the end of those things is death. Now, having become servants to God they have gained holiness and everlasting life. For the wages of sin is [spiritual] death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:17-23 paraphrased)

It is clear that if you continue in sin you will die spiritually and not spend eternity enjoying the love and presence of our Creator.

Teaching that verse 23 means that our physical death pays for our sins is further contradicted by:

1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Jesus Christ’s death on the cross paid for our sins. To substitute our death as payment for sins is the Devil’s lie! There is nothing we can do to reconcile our sins with God. It is far beyond our mortal power to do this; only the innocent blood of Jesus can pay for sin.

We, as baptized believers, have eternal life as long as we remain faithful to the teachings of our Savior. If not, if we return to a life of sin, we will forfeit our eternal salvation. The price we pay for sin is a spiritual death, a total separation from God.

Romans 6:7 (NWT)
For he who has died has been acquitted from [his] sin. (NWT)
For he that is dead is freed from sin. (KJV)

They also cite this one verse as evidence that dying exonerates us from our sins. However this is a perfect example of taking something out of context and using it for your own purpose. Let’s read the surrounding verses:

Romans 6:3-8 (KJV)
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his rresurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

This paragraph is talking about baptism, that whoever is immersed (in water) with him is buried in a likeness of his death. As Christ was raised from the dead we also should be raised up and walk in the newness of life. If we are dead [dead, buried and resurrected in baptism] with Christ we shall also live with Christ. For he that is dead [with Christ] is freed [forgiven] from sin.

The Watchtower Society, using the NWT Bible, teach that our death severs our connection to our sin and, except for the extremely vile, everyone is born anew into the afterlife. However the KJV uses “dead” as a spiritual death to sin after being baptized and becoming a Christian during his lifetime.

We also question who these “extremely vile” will be? Hitler? Attila the Hun? Others like them? Let’s see what the Bible has to say about that.

Mt 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Apparently sin is sin. There are no degrees or levels of sin.
All manner of sin means all sin (except blasphemy against the Holy Ghost). All who call on Christ are forgiven! That would include Hitler and Attila (had they repented and become Christians). It also included the Apostle Paul, who was the chief of sinners (1Tim 1:17).

Everyone will die a physical death but the righteous will be resurrected to an eternal life because they have been washed in the blood of Jesus. For those who ignore the gospel the wages [price] of sin is eternal separation from the heavenly kingdom!

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4- BAPTISM IS A SIGN

Watchtower position:

The Watchtower teaches baptism is merely a sign that one has become a Jehovah Witness. “Complete immersion in water is a fitting symbol of this personal dedication, as baptism is a symbolic burial. Your going beneath the baptismal waters represents your dying to your former life course. Being raised out of the water symbolizes your being made alive to do God’s will.”

Refuted by:

In the 2nd chapter of Acts the apostle Peter is asked by suddenly repentant sinners, “What must we do?” Peter said nothing about a symbolic dedication. He told them they must, “repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins (to have your sins forgiven) to be saved.

Jehovah’s Witnesses is not the only “Christian” community to claim baptism is a symbol of one’s dedication to God. Many modern churches make the same claim.

A critical error is exposed when we examine the original Greek text. The Greek word “eis” (Translated in the KJV into the English word “for”) is in the future tense. It proves the purpose of baptism is to have your sins removed, not because your sins have already been forgiven. And certainly not because baptism represents a ‘dedication’ to anything.

Baptism is an act of obedience that reproduces the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Having seen your obedience God then forgives your sins. You rise up, a new creature, in Christ, born anew to a life dedicated to his teaching. You are ‘in Christ’ now, in the aura of Christ, in the influence of Christ and in the kingdom of Christ.

Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

The primary purpose of baptism is to demonstrate obedience by placing yourself in a position (under water) for God to remove your past sins. Any other motive results in one merely getting wet.

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5- ENJOY ETERNITY HERE ON EARTH

Watchtower position:

God’s purpose for the earth is that humans have children, replenish the earth, subdue it and take care of the animals (Gen 1:28).

What God purposes he will surely do! He says that he “did not create (the earth) simply for nothing” but “formed it even to be inhabited” (Isaiah 45:18). The Bible says, “The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it.
(NWT Ps 37:29; Rev 21:3-4).

Rev 21:3-4 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Psalms 37:29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

Refuted by:

First, we would point out that humans are having children, have replenished the earth and, for the most part, are taking care of the animals. While some species are being exterminated, many species are dying off naturally. At the same time, there are national sanctuaries around the world protecting wildlife.

In the future we pray we will be with God; He is our God and we are His people; in heaven all tears will be wiped away and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, crying or pain.

As far as “forever” is concerned, we propose that God’s original purpose was for a sinless mankind to live in peace and simplicity. However, His covenant was broken, not by God but by man. Many times over! Now he is sorting the good people from the bad. The good will live in heaven, the bad will be disposed of, like the chaff from the wheat (Luke 3:17).

The Bible tells us the earth will perish…

Psalms 102:25-26 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:

2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

For over two thousand years the Bible has predicted the world, as we know it, will come to an end. The Word of God tells us it will be by fire. Whether you accept that or not, the fact remains, the earth is slowly deteriorating!

The New Testament describes the end of the earth:

Matt 13:49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,

Matt 13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

2 Peter 3:5-7 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

2 Peter 3:10-13 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Note: The Watchtower teaches that the word “elements” means the people that are sinful. The “bad elements” will be disposed of while the “good elements” will live forever. We consider this a “stretch” of a rather vivid imagination. No, the “elements” are the parts of matter that will be destroyed. The pieces of the earth will be scattered amidst fire and this grand experiment will be over, with the good spending eternity in a spirit realm with our Creator.

2 Cor 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Apparently, that last day will be short. His return will be unannounced, unexpected, like a thief in the night. He shall return as he left, visible in the sky. The entire world will recognize him (we suspect many will be terror stricken realizing their error, “I meant to start going to church next week!”) and bow down to him.

The souls of the Christians will rise to meet him in the air, first those that have lived and died "in Christ" during the last 2000 years. Then those that are alive will rise immediately to greet their Master in the air. (The only generation that will avoid ‘death.’) These few will never suffer an earthly death, but go directly to their Lord. Then the earth will be destroyed in fire and we will look for a new spiritual home, in another dimension (for God is a spirit). Everyone that has joined His kingdom will hear those beautiful words, "Well done, good and faithful servant ... enter into the joy of thy lord. (Mt. 25:23) Any soul that had failed to turn to Christ will be shocked and horrified to learn that their failure to overcome temptation will result in an eternity outside of the fellowship of God.

HOW LONG IS ‘FOREVER?’
Psalms 37:29 tells us the righteous will inherit the land and live on it for ever. First, let’s evaluate the words so that we will not be confused by unsound scholarship. The New Testament was written in Greek, and translated into English. Translators substituted the English word eternity from two Greek words: aion and aionios. The word aion means “age,” which is a time span having both a beginning and an end. Bible translators indeed rendered the word aion into "age" several times in scripture. It does not mean a period of a fixed length for all cases. There is one aion of a human life, another of the life of a nation, another of a crow's life, another of an oak's life.

The Greek word ‘aion’ parallels the English ‘eon,’ which the dictionary shows means the same thing. This is important because the word ‘aion’ in its adjective form is ‘aionios’ (in English it is eonian for the purpose of translation) - which happens to be the same word translated into eternity, eternal, everlasting, forever, forever...and ever, and forever more.

The Greek ‘aion’ signifies any period in the course of events. EX: As the period or age before Christ, the period of the millennium (the 1000 year reign of Christ), the mythological period before the beginnings of history. Thus the English word “eon” does not have a "stationary and mechanical value" (De Quincey).

Ironically, the same words that were originally used to denote a period of time (of unspecified length) were translated to indicate time without end. It is no wonder misunderstanding results.

Where God intends for something to last a period of time, an eon, an age, it is mistranslated into an endless period. This is unfortunate! This is obviously one of the reasons God warned us if anyone adds to or removes from the Word of God he will suffer plagues (Rev 22:18-19).

The word “age” always carries the notion of time, and not of eternity. Otherwise it would be impossible to account for the plural, or for such qualifying expressions as this age, or the age to come. It does not mean something endless or everlasting. The adjective aionios in like manner carries the idea of time. Neither the noun nor the adjective, in themselves, carry the sense of endless or everlasting. (pp. 58-59, vol. IV, Vincent's Word Studies of the New Testament)
(Ref: http://www.mercifultruth.com/eternity.htm)

FOREVER
There are many places in the OT where “forever” indicates “until the end of the age.” This language is often employed in relation to the Jews and their land inheritances, as well as other concepts in the Mosaic system, which has clearly ended with the death of Christ. For example:

Lev 6:13 The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.

Leviticus 6 instructed the priests to keep the fire burning continuously. However, with the Roman destruction of the Temple, and all it entailed in 70 A.D., the alter fire was destroyed. The fire lasted only until the end of the Jewish “age.”

Also,

Lev 6:22-23 And the priest of his sons that is anointed in his stead shall offer it: it is a statute for ever unto the LORD; it shall be wholly burnt. For every meat offering for the priest shall be wholly burnt: it shall not be eaten.

Lev 23:21 And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, that it may be an holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work therein: it shall be a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.

Here the words “for ever” have a limited duration. Since burnt offerings have ceased the phrase “for ever” is not always meant as an endless period of time but in this case at least, until the end of the Jewish Age.

Also notice, “for ever, ...throughout your generations” shows “for ever” terminated with the destruction of the Jewish Temple. With their ancestral records destroyed the thread was broken and proof of their lineage back to Abraham meant the time of their generations was over and they had lost their national identity.

From our studies we now know that “for ever” comes from “aion” which is not an endless period but one with a definite end.

Heb 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

We read in the Book of Hebrews that the sacrifices made by the Jews were not sufficient. There is a better way today. Thus the “for ever” in Lev 23:21 meant only until the end of the Jewish Age, not for all of eternity. Similarly, the “for ever” in Psalms 37:29 was for the duration of the covenant.

In review, Adam and Eve had broken the original agreement and death, not only of the humans but also of the earth itself, entered into the equation. When the Jews subsequently broke every covenant they had with God a new method was needed to offer redemption - the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ (Jer 31:31).

At the end of the world all who believe and follow his teachings will rise to meet him in the air.

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6- MAN IS A SOUL

According to Vines Complete Expository Dictionary “SOUL” is from the Greek, ‘psuche’, which denotes “the breath of life.” The NT uses it as follows:
The natural life of the body; the immaterial invisible part of man; the disembodied man; the seat of personality; the seat of the sentient element in man, that by which he perceives, reflects, feels, desires; the seat of will and purpose.

Watchtower position:

Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that man is a soul; he does not HAVE a soul.

Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Witnesses teach that the human soul is not immortal, that the soul and body are one, and that death is final for most humans. Only those that obey the Lord will live for eternity.

Refuted by:

The soul is an integral part of a human psyche, as is his moral code. One’s attitude about things is what others see when they look at him. Thus, he is a man and he is what he does. The body is not immortal but the soul is.

That man has a soul is expressed by Gen 35:18 where Rachel's soul departed from her body. Her body, like everyone else’s, returned to ashes and dust. But how can a soul leave a body if, as the Governing Body of the Witnesses teach, the soul is the body?

There are other versus that indicate man has a soul, versus use such phraseology as: my soul, his soul, her soul, my son’s soul,

Matt 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Gen 12:13 Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.

Gen 19:20 Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.

Gen 27:4 And make me savory meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die.

Gen 34:8 And Hamor communed with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her him to wife.

Gen 35:18-19 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.

Rev 18:13-15 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

1 Thess 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(Apparently there is a body and a soul as well as a spirit.)

1 Cor 15:42-46 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; 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. (If)There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

On resurrection we will be given new bodies that contain our soul, i.e., it will contain our spirituality, our attitudes and thoughts. Paul is trying to prove there will be a spiritual body after death, just as there is a natural body now. All mankind has a physical body, subject to death because of being descendants of Adam, so also do Christians have a heavenly body because of being born into the family of God through Jesus Christ.

The next two paragraphs are from a Commentary on 1 Corinthians:
In v44, Paul refers to a “spiritual body” (pneumatikon soma) and a “natural body” (psuchikos). Now, in this verse, he seemingly makes a play on words by saying that the first Adam “was made” (ginomai) or was “caused to be” (Strong *1096) a living “soul” (psuche’). The Greek word “soul” (psuche’) is an adjective from which the word “natural” (verses 44 & 46) comes; it is defined by Thayer as “that in which there is life’ a living being (677-1-5590).

Some versions (such as NIV, RSV) translate that the first Adam “became (or was created) a living being” when God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.” Sometimes, this word, psuche, translated “soul” in this verse, is translated “life.” For example, “He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it” (MT 10:39). Paul is saying, “Adam was therefore a “living soul,” that is, a natural man – a man with intelligence, perception and a moral sense, with power to form a society and to subdue nature to himself” (Robertson- quoted from the Cambridge Bible 158).

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice man has the opportunity to gain forgiveness of his sins. Remaining faithful to God for the rest of his life, man will be given a home in heaven where he will have a spiritual body. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that, at this point, Paul is not teaching on the subject of sin. Instead, his teaching is to prove: first, there is a bodily resurrection; secondly, how this body will rise; and, thirdly, what type of body will rise. He, therefore, is not speaking of sin as being natural. Rather, he is teaching that our earthly bodies are “natural” but progress to a “spiritual” state—one suitable to live with God in heaven.

This brings up the next question, was he speaking only to the “Christian congregation” in those days or to anyone that reads the Bible and chooses to become a follower of Christ?

And a final, personal comment. Does it matter if I am a ‘soul’ or whatever if my psyche is aware, capable of thought and happiness? “I” hope to go to heaven with my new body to be with my Creator.

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7- JESUS CANNOT FORGIVE SIN

Watchtower position:

Jesus Christ never forgave sin and does not have the authority to forgive sin.

Refuted by:

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Matt 28:18

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
Matt 9:6-8 (Also in Mark 2:10-12 and Luke 5:24)

Apparently Jesus did have the power and authority to forgive sin.

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8- TRINITY REJECTED

Watchtower position:

Jehovah's Witnesses believe God is the Creator and Supreme Being. Witnesses reject the Trinity doctrine, which they consider unscriptural. They view God as the Father, an invisible spirit "person" separate from the Son, Jesus Christ.

The Holy Ghost is not a separate entity, but is an energy or force -- the method by which God interacts with the world.

Refuted by:

That the Holy Spirit is not a person, a separate entity, is refuted by its usage in Scripture.

If the Holy Spirit is not a person, why then would he:
· be referred to as "he" or "him". Jn.15:26, 16:7-8, 13-14
· bear witness Jn.15:26
· be blasphemed against Mk.3:29
· say things 10:19, 21:11, Rev.2:7
· comfort them Acts 9:31
· be lied to Acts 5:3
· speaks, sending them to Seleucia. Acts 13:1-4

These meanings all share the sense of something invisible to humans that produces visible effects. Similarly, the spirit of God, “like the wind, is invisible, immaterial and powerful.”—An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine.

The Bible also refers to God’s holy spirit as his “hands” or “fingers.” (Psalm 8:3; 19:1; Luke 11:20; compare Matthew 12:28.) Ps 8:3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Just as a craftsman uses his hands and fingers to do his work, God has used his spirit to produce such results as:

The universe.—Psalm 33:6; Isaiah 66:1, 2.

The Bible.—2 Peter 1:20, 21. Scripture was written by holy men of God who wrote as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Miracles were performed by his servants and their preaching was inspired by the Holy Spirit.—
Luke 4:18; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

People who obey him receive virtuous gifts.—Galatians 5:22, 23.

He sends angels and He sends His Holy Spirit on missions as needed. Like a fog or mist moving over the landscape, the Holy Spirit wafts into a person’s thoughts and that person’s attitude changes for the better. Likewise, when one prays for ‘understanding’ God can send that information via the Holy Ghost.

God can send His holy attitude and thoughts via the mystical, wispy cloud of His Spirit. The ways of God are higher than our ways. We can’t imagine the glory of heaven and we can’t, on this side of eternity, fully understand the spiritual relationship between God and His Holy Spirit.

We conclude with Mark 3:29
But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

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9- LORD’S MEAL ONCE A YEAR

Watchtower position:

On the Passover on Nisan 14 in 33 CE Jesus asked us to remember him with the Memorial of his death. This was to help the apostles and all true Christians after them to bear in mind that by means of his death he gave his soul, or life, as a ransom.

The memorial meal replaced the Jewish Passover and therefore should be observed once a year, on the anniversary of Nisan 14.

In Acts 20:7 the breaking of bread refers to a common meal. Bread, in those days, was baked flat and hard and had to be broken.

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. Acts 20:7

Notice also, the cup is not mentioned. It was as important as the bread in the communion. Therefore if the cup is not mentioned, then we may be certain that the incident in Acts 20:7 was not a weekly memorial of Christ’s death.

Refuted by:

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 1 Cor 10:16

Acts 20:7 tells us the apostles came together on the first day of the week to break bread. 1 Cor 10:16 describes the breaking of bread as communion with the body of Christ. Thus it was not annually, as it was during the time of the Law but it is (every) first day of the week during the time of the Christian dispensation.

Also, pita bread, available throughout the mid-east, as well as in most supermarkets in the west, is baked flat and soft, not hard at all. Even today they take pleasure in breaking off a piece, dipping it into hummus to enjoy the ageless treat.

The issue is whether Acts 20:7 describes a common meal or one of spiritual significance. The Watchtower Society claims it was a common meal because the cup was not mentioned. Our position is that not mentioning the cup does not mean it was not present. Whether it was a common meal or religious one, they drank something. Therefore not mentioning a drinking vessel in that one verse means nothing either way. What is mentioned is that we do this in remembrance of the death and suffering of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! And we should do it every week!

Perhaps the words of Jesus Christ himself will clarify the matter: 1 Cor. 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come

The apostles met on the first day of every week to break bread (have communion). They did not wait until Nisan 14 every year. Doing it weekly is more “often” than yearly.

One more item we need to mention – the majority of Witnesses do not partake of communion. Only those of the special elite class of the remaining 8000 or so who are alive of the 144,000 can partake. On Nisan 14 of every year every Kingdom Hall sets out a table with bread and wine in the event one of those remaining 8000 will be in attendance. More often than not the table remains untouched and the items are discarded.

According to JW's it is God's holy spirit who convinces the individual that they indeed belong to the anointed class and have a heavenly call (Rom. 8:16-17) . Thus anyone who feels he has been anointed will become a member of that class. No one will question him.

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10- JESUS WAS AN ANGEL

Watchtower position:

Jesus Christ was actually the angel Michael. At times, individuals are known by more than one name. For example, the patriarch Jacob is also known as Israel, and the apostle Peter, as Simon. (Genesis 49:1, 2; Matthew 10:2) Likewise, the Bible indicates that Michael is another name for Jesus Christ, before and after his life on earth. Let us consider Scriptural reasons for drawing that conclusion.

Archangel. God’s Word refers to Michael “the archangel.” (Jude 9) This term means “chief angel.” Notice that Michael is called the archangel. This suggests that there is only one such angel. In fact, the term “archangel” occurs in the Bible only in the singular, never in the plural. Moreover, Jesus is linked with the office of archangel. Regarding the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thessalonians 4:16 states: “The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice.” Thus the voice of Jesus is described as being that of an archangel. This scripture therefore suggests that Jesus himself is the archangel Michael.

Army Leader. The Bible states that “Michael and his angels battled with the dragon . . . and its angels.” (Revelation 12:7) Thus, Michael is the Leader of an army of faithful angels. Revelation also describes Jesus as the Leader of an army of faithful angels. (Revelation 19:14-16) And the apostle Paul specifically mentions “the Lord Jesus” and “his powerful angels.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7) So the Bible speaks of both Michael and “his angels” and Jesus and “his angels.” (Matthew 13:41; 16:27; 24:31; 1 Peter 3:22) Since God’s Word nowhere indicates that there are two armies of faithful angels in heaven—one headed by Michael and one headed by Jesus—it is logical to conclude that Michael is none other than Jesus Christ in his heavenly role.

Refuted by:

In Gen 32:24-32 the Bible tells us of the occasion where Jacob wrestled with a man but could not subdue him. So he asked the man to bless him. The man did so and changed his name to Israel. The “man” was able to bless him and Israel called that place Peniel, which means, “I have seen God face to face.” Apparently God Himself came to earth, wrestled with Jacob, blessed him and changed his name to Israel.

It is conceivable that God himself came to earth to offer himself as the Saviour. Understand, that is pure speculation on my part. However ...

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

“The mighty God?” “The everlasting Father?” Was that child an image of God or God himself? A clone of God? In creating the Messiah did God use DNA to provide him with a healthy body, impervious to disease and a propensity to love all mankind?

Christ is superior to the angels, as shown by the next five verses:

Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom. Heb 1:4-8

These eight verses clearly refute the notion that Jesus was an angel! He was so much better than the angels; God called him a Son but none of the angels had this privilege (Which of the angels were addressed as ‘son?’ By implication, none! That would include Michael.). And “ALL” the angels of God worshipped him. That would include Gabriel and Michael himself!

Regarding the issue of Jesus calling “with an archangel’s voice.” That does not mean he was the archangel, only that he sounded like the archangel. He used a strong, commanding voice the demanded attention. Any veteran of the military will recognize, “He sounds like a drill sergeant!” That doesn’t mean he was a drill sergeant, only that he sounded like one.

The Bible says Jesus is the Son of God and nowhere is he referenced as an angel.

Romans 9:5; Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

Titus 2:13; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

1 John 5:20; And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

That Jesus was an angel is an interesting supposition but without benefit of fact.

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11- GOD IS MARRIED

Watchtower position:

God is married and the union produced his ‘son,’ the angel Michael.

Refuted by:

When the Sadducees, talking about the hypothetical woman who was widowed eight times, asked Jesus which of her husbands would she be married to in heaven? Jesus responded with:

For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. Matt 22:30

In Genesis 1:28 God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. Marriage and reproduction is necessary on earth but not in heaven. God creates what He wants and needs. Here on earth testosterone and estrogen are necessary for sexual attraction but chemicals are not used to encourage reproduction in heaven.

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12- THE KINGDOM IS IN HEAVEN

Watchtower Position:

God’s Kingdom is a government established by Jehovah God with a King chosen by God. Jesus/Michael is that king and he is ruling now from heaven. That is why it is called a “heavenly kingdom” (2 Tim 4:18). Although God’s Kingdom is in heaven, it will rule over the earth (Rev 11:15).

The Kingdom of God was prophesied to begin in 1914 C.E. During the “appointed times of the nations,” (Lk 21:24) worldly governments would be allowed to interrupt rulership approved by God. That period began with the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. That event marked the beginning of a lengthy interruption of God’s direct rule over his people on earth. Daniel indicated that it would go on for “seven times” (Dan 4:23-25). Bible scholars interpret “time” as a Jewish year of 360 days (Num 14:34; Ezek 4:6). “Times” would be multiple (plural) years. Thus seven times would be seven years of 360 days each for a total of 2520 days.

Looking at history we see nothing noteworthy happened but by applying “a day for a year” to Daniel’s prophecy we count from 2520 years from 607 B.C.E. and arrive at 1914 B.C.E. That is when God’s kingdom began. Not on earth but in heaven with Jesus as ruler sitting at the right hand of God.

Review: The kingdom was to begin 2520 years after the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E.

The Kingdom of God

There are disputes all across Christendom about when, where, who are in His kingdom. Here are questions and answers that are in integral part of the teaching of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

A) Where is the Kingdom of God located?
B) When will this kingdom begin?
C) Who is its King?
D) Do others share in ruling with the King? If so, how many?
E) What shows that we are living in the last days?
F) What will God’s Kingdom do for mankind in the future?

A) Where is the Kingdom of God located?

When he was on earth, Jesus taught his followers to pray for God's Kingdom. A kingdom is a government that is headed by a king. God's Kingdom is a special government. It is set up in heaven and will rule over this earth. It will sanctify, or make holy, God's name. It will cause God's will to be done on earth as it is done in heaven.—Matthew 6:9, 10.

B) When will this kingdom begin?

Currently the earth is divided into many countries, each with its own government. These nations often fight one another. But God's Kingdom will replace all human governments. It will rule as the only government over the entire earth.

Dan 2:44 KJV
And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Micah 4:3, 4. (NWT)
Then there will be no more war, crime, and violence. All people will live together in peace and unity.— And he will certainly render judgment among many peoples, and set matters straight respecting mighty nations far away. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore. And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making [them] tremble; for they very mouth of Jehovah of armies has spoken [it].

Micah 4:3-4
And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.

C) Who is its’ King?

God promised that Jesus would become the King of His Kingdom. (Luke 1:30-33) When Jesus was on earth, he proved that he would be a kind, just, and perfect Ruler. When he returned to heaven, he was not enthroned as King of God's Kingdom right away. (Hebrews 10:12, 13) In 1914, Jehovah gave Jesus the authority He had promised. Since then, Jesus/Michael has ruled in heaven as Jehovah's appointed King.

Dan 7:13-14
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

D) Do others share in ruling with the King? If so, how many?

Jehovah has also selected some faithful men and women from the earth to go to heaven. They will rule with Jesus as kings, judges, and priests over mankind.

Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:28-30

Revelation 5:9, 10 NWT
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Jesus called these co-rulers in his Kingdom a "little flock." They number 144,000.

Luke 12:31-32 (V22- And he said unto his disciples,)
“But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Revelation 14:1-3.
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

E) What shows that we are living in the last days?

As soon as Jesus became King, he threw Satan and his wicked angels out of heaven and down to the earth. That is why things have become so bad here since 1914. (Revelation 12:9, 12) Wars, famines, pestilences, increasing lawlessness—all these are part of a "sign" indicating that Jesus is ruling and that this system is in its last days.
Matthew 24:3, 7, 8, 12; Luke 21:10, 11; 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

F) What will God’s Kingdom do for mankind in the future?

Soon Jesus will judge people, separating them as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The "sheep" are those who will have proved themselves his loyal subjects. They will receive everlasting life on earth. The "goats" are those who will have rejected God's Kingdom. (Matthew 25:31-34) NWT

And these will depart into everlasting cutting-off, but the righteous ones into everlasting life.” MT 25:46 (NWT)

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Matt 25:46 (KJV)

(2 Thessalonians 1:6-9) This takes into account that it is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for YOU, but, to YOU who suffer tribulation, relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus. These very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction from before the Lord and from the glory of his strength.

Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 2 Thess 1:6-9

If you want to be one of Jesus' "sheep," you must listen to the Kingdom message and act on what you learn.—Matthew 24:14. (NWT)

And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Micah 4:3

Here the people (such as Jehovah’s Witnesses) will be peaceful and not make war any more. Others around them however, will continue.

Refuted by:

Our understanding of the “last days” differs from the Watchtower’s. We see the “last days” as the Christian period of time, starting in 33 AD at Pentecost and continuing beyond today. It will conclude when Christ returns to take all faithful Christians to heaven.

The Scripture quoted has little to do with the Last Days. Most Bible scholars recognize Mt 24 as pointing toward the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. This is based on Mt 24:34 where Jesus informs them that “this generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled.”

REVIEW OF THE WATCHTOWER POSITION

The Watchtower Society teaches that Jehovah has selected faithful men and women to join Him in heaven. Anointed by the Holy Ghost, they will rule with Jesus as kings, judges, and priests over those who remain on earth.

The kingdom began with the apostles and the original members of the Christian congregation (Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, etc.), followed by those anointed by the Holy Ghost over the years until there are 144,000. When the last one dies (In 2007, there were approximately 8700 living. –ed.) this system will end and the thousand-year earthly reign of Christ will begin.

The kingdom took over rule on earth in 1914. Evidence for this can be seen in the terrible wars, famines, pestilences, increasing lawlessness, and sexual promiscuity, et. al. that abounds. Christ is the king, sitting at the right hand of Jehovah, waiting for the time of his return to earth.

Following Christ’s return there will be a thousand years in which the people will have an opportunity to learn about God’s ways and become righteous. Those that are successful will spend eternity on a perfect earth. Those that reject His teaching will be cut off from the kingdom of God for eternity.

Refuted by:

A) Where is the Kingdom of God located?

When he was on earth, Jesus taught his followers to pray for God's Kingdom (The Lord’s Prayer; Mt 6:9-15). He teaches the people to pray to God that the kingdom comes and people act on earth as they do in heaven. The arrival of that kingdom was not far off. Three and a half years later and 50 days after his resurrection, the kingdom was started in Jerusalem. On that Day of Pentecost 3000 souls were added to his church. His church is the kingdom, that repository of saved souls who worship Jesus Christ as the son of God.

The kingdom is all around us; the members are those who have accepted the gospel call since 33 AD. They are as righteous on earth as if they were in heaven. They don’t lie, cheat or steal, just as in heaven.

The word, “kingdom” is used 150 times in the New Testament: ‘kingdom of God’, ‘kingdom of heaven’, and ‘kingdom of Christ’ and just ‘kingdom.’ By usage we understand the word means “a realm, domain (the kingdom of poetry).”

This kingdom of God, this brotherhood, people following the same doctrine, all following the teachings of Jesus will offer salvation to the world. Those in this brotherhood, this kingdom, who remain faithful all the days of their life will be carried by Christ to the heavenly kingdom.

The Watchtower tells us the kingdom began in 1914 C.E. based on their interpretation of Daniel 4. “Daniel indicated that it would go on for “seven times” (Dan 4:23-25).” Then they explain, “Looking at history we see nothing noteworthy happened but by applying “a day for a year” to Daniel’s prophecy we count 2520 years from 607 B.C.E. and arrive at 1914 C.E.”

To place the dream’s events into the distant future (1914) is failing to notice the rest of Daniel 4. In verses 32-34 we see the dream was realized during his lifetime when King Nebuchadnezzar was driven away, ate grass, was wet with dew. At the end of 7 years (7 times) Nebuchadnezzar came to his senses, praised God and his kingdom was returned to him.

B) When will this kingdom begin?

The kingdom started on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) when the church of Jesus Christ started. The kingdom is the church, those that are ‘called out’ from the world and follow the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The kingdom is the fraternity of righteousness, starting with God, Jesus Christ and the angels in heaven and Jesus’ church (followers) on earth. Incidentally, the kingdom of God, Christ’s kingdom, the kingdom of heaven are all one entity, names for the same brotherhood.

C) Who is its King?

We agree that Jesus Christ is the king.

D) Do others share in ruling with the King? If so, how many?

No, Jesus needs no help in ruling his kingdom.

E) What shows that we are living in the last days?

There has been much dispute over Matt 24, whether it applies to the end of the Jewish Age when the Roman Army sacked Jerusalem or does it apply to the future end of the world. We offer the words of Christ, as recorded in Matt. 24:34 for your consideration: Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

Most of those in attendance that day lived to see 70 CE when the greatest tribulation was such that had not been seen since the beginning of the world to that time nor ever shall be (Matt. 24:21).

Josephus, the Jewish historian who was an eye-witness to these events, wrote a full and detailed account of the tribulation that fell upon that land and people in and prior to 70 A.D. His account, Wars of the Jews, was published about 75A.D. at a time when the events of which he wrote were still fresh in the memory of thousands. Since he was not a Christian, no one can accuse him of slanting his material so as to match the prophecy Christ had given. Nevertheless, the history he recorded fully confirms the fulfillment of the prophecy Jesus gave about the “great tribulation” which came upon that land and people.
(The above paragraph was taken from
www.the-highway.com/matt24_Woodrow3.html
We encourage you to read the full page.)

Acts 2:17 shows that the “last days” began with the commencement of the Christian dispensation. The Jewish Age was over and the last period of time, or age, has begun. When the Temple and Jewish libraries were sacked the twelve tribes lost all proof of their linage back to Abraham. This was the final event bringing the Jewish Age to an end.

Hebrews 1:2 also notes that these are the “last days.” The “last days” didn’t start in 1914; They started when the Christian dispensation began, on Pentecost, 33 AD. The last days are here with the Christian dispensation.

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Heb 1:2-3

In 2 Tim 3:1-9 Paul warns Timothy of times of stress, where the last days will be perilous, with men being lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, liars, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. They will have a form of godliness that confuses and distorts people away from the true worship of God. Reading today’s headlines is almost like reading Paul’s letter: Gay marriage, executives embezzling from their corporations, conservators cheating the elderly, banks selling overpriced retirement funds, sub-prime mortgage schemes, theft of personal information, plagiarizing reporters, proud athletes disrespecting their opponents, insolent children, music and the media filled with cursing, descriptions of rape, theft and more while mega-churches attract the easily influenced. All these, and more, confirm his writing!

We recognize there are four periods of time: Pre-historic, Patriarchal, the Jewish Dispensation and the Christian Dispensation. After this, there is no more earth or time. The Great Time of Mankind is over and those receiving God’s favor will spend eternity with him in the spirit realm.

F) What will God’s Kingdom do for mankind in the future?

Rather than concern ourselves with the future we look to God’s kingdom today to be the venue for salvation for anyone who accepts the gospel of Jesus Christ. His kingdom provides an oasis of peace in a tumultuous world.

Walking in the Spirit of God will enable one to enjoy peace, joy, meekness and temperance. One must turn away from lust, envy, unclean thoughts and actions (Gal 5:16-26). There is no other way for mankind to find salvation except through Jesus Christ.

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My Conclusion:

The Watchtower Society, headquartered in Brooklyn, NY and lead by their Governing Body, has several million adherents around the world. They are good, decent people, the kind we would be proud to consider our friend or neighbor.

In spite of Isaiah 2:3 (the word of the Lord will go out from Jerusalem) the Jehovah’s Witness movement began as a Bible study group in Pittsburgh in 1870 AD. Since then thousands of hours have been spent justifying the doctrines concocted in a few weeks. Sometimes Scripture gets squeezed when trying to fit speculation into the equation. Like trying to squeeze a round peg into a square hole, it doesn’t always fit!

We notice the Watchtower’s false prophecies. They predicted the end of the world would occur in 1946, 1950 and again in 1975. Their failed track record reminds us of Deut. 18:22 “When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

Prophecy regarding the Lord's kingdom (Isaiah 9:7), the kingdom of Christ, the Church of Christ, the Church of the Firstborn, was fulfilled in Jerusalem during the Roman occupation as prophesied in Dan 2:36-45. Jesus Christ started his church and this brotherhood is comprised of those who heard the gospel, believed it, left the ways of the world, confessed Christ before men, experienced repentance and remission of sins when they were immersed in water. Becoming Christian is the only path to salvation.

I choose not to be a Jehovah Witness because they seem to have invented their own doctrines and interpretation of the Bible. Their intense and dedicated research is second to none. But in many cases their central beliefs are based on one or two verses taken out of context. Their foundation is then supported by nothing more than speculation and supposition. It appears sturdy and strong but eventually will be exposed as a house built on sand. They have a form of godliness that confuses and distorts people away from the true worship of God. For that reason my heart lies in the true gospel of Christ as taught in the Bible and not the misleading conclusions of the Watchtower Society and their Bible, the New World Translation.

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We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you have any comments or if you see a factual error, please contact the author: BRAD COOK