The Cults Jehovahs Witnesses Ron Williams University of

The Cults Jehovah’s Witnesses Ron Williams University of Life Ridgecrest Baptist Church © 2007 Ron Williams www. namb. net

Jehovah Witness n Official name is the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York n Charles Taze Rurssell (1852 -1916 is the founder n Headquartered in Brookyln, NY n 6 million members (~1 million in US)

Jehovah Witness 91000 churches in 235 countries speaking 340 languages n Adds ~ 300000 new members a year n Field over 500000 full and part-time missionaries. n Training given via 5 meetings a week n They spent more than 181 million hours in scripture study and witnessing n

Jehovah’s Witness All members are encouraged to attend the weekly studies and members are constantly brain-washed (indoctrinated). Ex-members or family who reject the teaching are “shunned” and ostracized. Their bible (little brown book) is not freely given out. Acquired by attending their meetings. n JW’s are well trained in their scripture n

Chief Outlets Local radio stations n The Watchtower (22 million in 126 languages) n Reasoning from the Scriptures n The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures n Awake! n Let God be True n Make Sure of All Things n

The Founder n Charles Taze Russell did an independent Bible study in 1870 focusing on the second coming of Christ and Biblical chronology. He published his studies in 1878. He published the monthly Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence for his study groups

Charles Russell n Founding the Watch Tower and Tract Society, he wrote a series of six books called “Studies in the Scriptures” which is the basis for the cult’s theology. His writing was largely influenced by William Miller, a Second Adventist. He developed many concepts foreign to our doctrine as he focused upon end time prophecies. He strongly denied the existence of hell and the Trinity.

Cult Leaders n n n The name of the organization evolved from the: Millennial Dawn, People’s Pulpit Association, the Brooklyn Tabernacle, and the International Bible Student’s Association. Joseph Rutherford took over in 1916 and his writings began to replace Russells. He wrote “Harp of God”. His seventh volume of “Studies in the Scriptures” was highly controversal and sets the tone for modern JWs. Current president is Don Adams

Scripture Authority n Claims the Bible as their final authority. However, Russell’s writing clearly states it is his translations (and the subsequent secret committee’s interpretation of the Bible) and the Watch Tower among other use of the scriptures that should be considered authoritative

The Skinny. . . n n n JW’s is a cult, indoctrinating and separating members into a single way of thought it is anti-Trinity, anti-Christ, anti-Holy Spirit, anti -Bible (in its Committee’s translation of scripture) Salvation occurs only through membership with the JWs The soul remains with the body after death Have falsely prophesized on dates of the armagedon, start of the millenium, end of the world in 1914, 1918, 1925, 1975, and 1989

The Skinny. . . n n JW’s meet in a Kingdom Hall. Wonder why? The reason for this is that they believe the archangel Michael (Jesus) set up his earthly kingdom in 1914. When Michael did not visibly return to earth, he was declared “invisible” but still ruling over his kingdom.

Who is God? n n JW’s believe that God is not nameless , it is Jehovah. They believe they are the only practioners of the true worship of God, because only they recognize Him. Belief in the Trinity is Satan-inspired and polytheistic Our response: There is only one God. He has many names in the scriptures, all testifying to his power, righteousness, love, genius. While the word “Trinity” is not found in the Bible, Matt 28, I Cor 8 and 12, 2 Cor 1 and 13 and 1 Peter 1 clearly shows that the Trinity exists in the form of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. In heaven all present cry Holy, Holy showing the three-part act of worship (Revelation)

Who was Jesus? n n They say Christ was just a perfect man, a created being, who paid the cost of what Adam lost for mankind. He was not resurrected, rather he was recreated as a spirit creature after his death so that he could be occasionally seen Our response: Jesus was the God-Man, who was fully human and fully God (Emmanuel -God with us). He rose both spiritually and physically from his death at Calvary. His was a selfsacrifice and not one as the result of service or obligation to Jehovah.

Who is Christ? n n n They say Christ existed in 3 different forms as time advanced. He was created by Jehovah and then was the author of creation. Since he was the only being God created, he has the title of “son”. He had a personal name (Michael-the archangel). The Word was a god. They say his second form was his life on earth through a virgin birth. His third phase will be as a reigning king on earth. Our response: Jesus was with God and coexisted with God from the beginning. JWs beliefs deny the deity of Christ. Michael and Jesus are not the same individual mentioned in the Bible

Who is the Holy Spirit? They say the deity of the Holy Spirit is denied. Instead, it is a force God uses to accomplish his will n Our response: The Holy Spirit is a being and part of the Trinity. Luke 12, John 15, Acts 5, Eph 4, Hebrews 3, Mark 3, Rom 8 give testimony to who the Holy Spirit is and his personality n

How are we saved? n n n They say requirements include: faith, immersion baptism, active association with their church, righteous conduct. There is no assurance of salvation, only a hope for a resurrection. Anyone leaving the organization or not part of the church has no hope. Need to attend weekly meetings, 5 hrs of witnessing/week, selling 12 subscriptions each month. Our response: Salvation is by grace (Ephesians 2). No church membership or acts provides one with salvation. Faith in Christ is the only hope (Roman 4, Titus 3, John 1, 1 John 5) Good works come naturally to those who love Christ (Ephesians 2: 10)

Sin and death n n They say sin introduced by Adam and Eve results in eventual death. After death, there is no state of conscious. The dead go to Sheol where they are not aware of anything. They also believe that men will have a second chance, after death, to be saved. Our truth=Mankind did introduce sin into the world. After death we still have a relationship with God while awaiting the resurrection (Matt 22, Luke 16 and 23, John 11, 1 Cor 5 and 12, Phil 1, ! Thess 4 and 5, 2 Peter 2.

A class structure-No way! n n 144000 will be the “Annointed Class” and live in heaven while other saved Witnesses will reside on earth. It all depends on your acts which class you fall into. The saved people on earth will never see Jesus Our response: There is no duality of saved people. There is no heavenly class structures among humans. Revelation 7 and 14 both picture the 144000 and the “great cloud” as before throne of God. All Christians will live in heaven (John 3 and 14).

A focus upon the end times They believe armageddon will result in the destruction of apostate Christendom, Satan and those opposed to Jehovah n Our response: The great day of the Lord will mark the destruction of those who oppose God. Setting dates for this event, is strictly forbidden in the Bible and all believers are to be ready for Christ’s return (Matt 16 and 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, John 5 and 14, Acts 1, 1 Thess 5). n

Hell-doesn’t exist n n They believe there is no immortality of the soul. After the 1000 year reign of Christ, all those including Satan will be destroyed. Hell is in the grave and not a place of eternal punishment. A belief in hell is considered unscriptural, unreasonable, contrary to God’s love and unjust. Our response: Everyone will face a final judgement. The Bible and Jesus himself teaches us on this subject (Matt 18 and 25, Mark 9, 2 Thess 1)

False Teaching n n The Bible lists 6 tests of false teaching: leading people to stray after false gods, teaching prophecies that don’t happen, prophecies or teaching contradicting God’s Word, they produce bad fruit, they deny Jesus and his divinity, and covet the favor of men. Any one of these would exclude teachings from being Biblically-based. JWs fail on a majority of these principles.

What they believe n n n n There is one God in one person (MSOAT, 188) There is no Trinity (MSOAT, 386) The Holy Spirit is a force, not alive (Reasoning, 406) Jesus was God’s only creation (Aid to Bible Understanding (390) Jesus was Michael the archangel (Watch. Tower, May 15, 1963) Jesus was only a perfect man, not God in the flesh (Reasoning 89) Jesus did not rise from the dead (Awake, July 22, 1973, 4)

What they believe n n n Jesus was not raised as a man, but a spirit (LGBT, 276) Jesus died on a stake, not a cross (Reasoning, 89) Jesus is invisibly on the earth since 1914 (TTSMUF, 300) JW are self-proclaimed prophet of God (Watchtower, February 15, 1979, 30) Blood transfusions are a sin (Reasonings, 72). Note: This belief is contradicted by some evangelicals, but common practice would seem to indicate some follow this teaching.

What they believe n n It is possible to lose your salvation (Reasoning, 358) Universe is billions of years old (Your Will Be Done on Earth, 43) Each day of creation was 7000 years long. Man was therefore created about 42000 years after time began (LGBT, 168) They refuse to vote, salute the flag, sing the national anthem, celebrate Christmas or birthdays or serve in the armed forces (Reference Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian or Cult? ). They remain neutral with respect to government and world issues.

What makes it attractive? n n JWs tend to be hard working, peaceful, neighbors and citizens. They stay out of the public eye. It is a works mentality- you control your destiny JWs believe that their works might promote to the Annointed Class. A special recognition. JWs receive intense one-on-one teaching from others. It restricts outside associations. This attention helps to solidify their association with the church

Witnessing to Jehovah Witnesses Have a clear understanding of what JWs believe. They are likely to come to your door. n Know your Bible and the tenets of our faith n Realize their definitions of even the most basic Biblical terms differ from ours n Focus upon who Christ was, is and is to be. Be prepared to quote scripture. State the need for one to have a personal relationship with him. n Share your personal testimony and how you know God is working in your life. n

Witnessing to JWs n n Focus upon the works mentality. Provide Scripture that clearly shows man’s attempt to make himself right with God cannot succeed due to man’s unrighteous state and failings. Tell them you will listen to them if they will first allow you to pray for them. Include scripture in your prayer referencing salvation by grace, the deity of Christ, the existence of hell and the need for a personal relationship with Christ.