Since their beginning in the late 1800's, "Jehovah's Witnesses" have actively spread their message around the world. What do they believe? First of all, it is worth noting that some of their teaching (regarding creation, angels, morality, apostasy in the church, etc.) is in line with what is taught in the Bible. However, the differences that do exist are so numerous and fundamental for most Christians to unhesitatingly label Jehovah's Witnesses as a "cult." Let us briefly highlight a few of the differences.
The first and most serious departure deals with the nature of Jesus Christ. "Jehovah's Witnesses" deny the eternal deity of Christ, saying rather that Jesus was originally created by God as Michael the archangel. However, Scripture proves the Lord Jesus Christ to be co-equal and co-eternal with the Father:
"Jehovah's Witnesses" claim that Jesus rose from the dead with a "spiritual body" which was immaterial and invisible. Scripture teaches otherwise:
"Jehovah's Witnesses" also deny the Personality of the Holy Spirit, referring to Him as "God's active force." However, Scripture speaks of the Holy Spirit as a Person of the Godhead, not merely a force.
More errors concern death and judgment. For example, "Jehovah's Witnesses" teach that the soul is not immortal, but rather dies with the body. However, Scripture teaches otherwise:
Consciousness after death is also denied, but Scripture proves it.
Eternal punishment is also denied, but Scripture affirms it.
One of the central teachings of "Jehovah's Witnesses" concerns Christ's return and His Kingdom. They predicted that Jesus Christ would return to the earth in 1873. When this was not fulfilled, the date was changed to 1874, and then again to 1914. Other dates have since come and gone, but rather than admit their error as false prophets, the response has been to "spiritualize" the prophecies. For example: they now refer to 1914 as being the "beginning of his presence ... in that year, Jesus was invisibly enthroned." However, the Bible teaches that when Jesus returns to earth to set up His kingdom here, it will be neither invisible nor symbolic.
"Jehovah's Witnesses" take their name from a verse (Isaiah 43:12) which applies to Israelites, and use it in error by applying it to non-Jews.
There are many other issues (including the basis of salvation) on which the teaching of "Jehovah's Witnesses" departs from Scripture. However, we trust that this brief overview serves to alert the reader to some of the dangers in their message.
When speaking with a "Jehovah's Witness," pray that God will open their eyes to the truth of Scripture. Because their doctrine is so fundamentally different, be aware that commonly-used religious words and phrases may have different meanings than you think. Remember, too, that they frequently use a version of the Scriptures (The New World Translation) which has been modified to incorporate their doctrine.
Jesus said, "SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me" (John 5:39).
