CHRISTIANITY vs.. Jehovah s Witnesses

Review of Important Points 1] How do I know that what I believe really is the TRUTH? A: My source of truth is God s s Word the BIBLE. 2] How do I know the BIBLE really is God s Word? A: Prophecy! 3] Why not include the Apocrypha in the Bible? A: not recognized by Jesus, Apostles or Jews, contains errors, contradictory to Bible, only added in 1546ad by Catholics, etc. [14 reasons] 4] Has the Bible been corrupted? A: Old Testament (200 B.C.), New Testament (125 A.D.)

How do I know I have the right translation of the Bible? Original Languages Old Testament Hebrew (some Aramaic) New Testament - Greek *Only the Original Manuscripts are God-breathed English Translations King James Version very literal; old English, few and newer manuscripts Literal Translations: Translations Easy-to to-read 1] English Standard Version 1] New International Version 2] New American Standard Version 2] New Living Translation 3] New King James Version 3] Contemporary English Version

How do I know I have the right translation of the Bible? What about the New World Translation? - Claimed by Jehovah s Witnesses as the best translation available - Translators have remained anonymous, they say, to give all glory to God Problems: - Many passages are changed to fit Jehovah s Witnesses beliefs and doctrine - The name Jehovah was inserted 237 times into their New Testament EXAMPLES: 1. Matthew 25:46 these will depart into everlasting cutting-off (punishment) 2. Luke 23:43 Truly I tell you today, you will be with Me in paradise. (, today..) 3. I Timothy 4:1 However, the inspired utterance says.. (the Spirit)

HISTORY Old Testament - Israel is God s voice of Truth on earth New Testament - Church becomes God s voice of Truth 4th Century Constantine corrupted Christianity 1879 Charles Russell begins publishing magazine Watchtower (Rejects Trinity, Eternal Suffering, Immortality of Soul, etc.) 1881 - Russell founds Watchtower and Tract Society - new voice of God

Holy Writings 1] Bible New World Translation. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2] The Watchtower : Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom articles of religious and moral interest based on the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses 3] Awake a general-interest newsmagazine of current events with a religious slant

Place Of Worship - Kingdom Hall

False Predictions of Watchtower Society --------------------- 1874 - Christ s Second Coming, ( invisible presence began ) 1914 complete overthrow of earth s present rulership 1915 complete overthrow of earth s present rulership 1918 when God destroys the churches wholesale any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell 1925 - shall mark the resurrection of the faithful worthies of old ; Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will rise from grave and come live in San Diego 1940s - no reasonable or Scriptural injunction to bring children into the world immediately before Armageddon, where we now are 1975 - According to trustworthy Bible chronology six thousand years from man s creation will end in 1975, and the seventh period of a thousand years of human history will begin in the fall of 1975 C.E. 1994-80-year generation from 1914 will see end of the world, 1995 redefined the word generation to be symbolic of general readiness for the end.

Jehovah s Witnesses Major Differences The Watchtower Society is God s voice of Truth on earth. People are incapable of finding truth they need the Watchtower to teach them. Christianity Scripture is God s voice of Truth on earth. People with God s Spirit are capable learning God s Truth from Scripture. Bible II Tim. 3:16, Jn. 17:17 II Pet. 1:20,21, Jn. 16:12,13 Acts 17:10,11 I Cor. 2:10-12, I Jn 2:20,27 Jehovah is the only name that should be used for God. Father, among other names, are used for God in Scripture. Matthew 6:9, Romans 8:15 Psalm 51:10, Daniel 9:4 Using the name Jehovah is necessary for salvation. Jesus is not Jehovah or one with Him, and is not to be worshipped as such. Salvation is found in the name of Jesus. Jesus is Jehovah (YHWH), is one with the Father, and should be worshipped the same. Rom. 10:9, Acts 4:11,12 Isa. 40:3, Jn. 8:58, Jn. 10:30, Jn. 9:38, Heb. 1:6

II Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. II Peter 1:20,21 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. John 16:12,13 I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth

Major Differences Jehovah s Witnesses The Watchtower Society is God s voice of Truth on earth. People are incapable of finding truth they need the Watchtower to teach them. Jehovah is the only name that should be used for God. Using the name Jehovah is necessary for salvation. Christianity Scripture is God s voice of Truth on earth. People with God s Spirit are capable learning God s Truth from Scripture. Father, among other names, are used for God in Scripture. Salvation is found in the name of Jesus. Bible II Tim. 3:16, Jn. 17:17 II Pet. 1:20,21, Jn. 16:12,13 Acts 17:10,11 I Cor. 2:10-12, I Jn 2:20,27 Matthew 6:9, Romans 8:15 Psalm 51:10, Daniel 9:4 Rom. 10:9, Acts 4:11,12 Jesus is not Jehovah or one with Him, and is not to be worshipped as such. Jesus is Jehovah (YHWH), is one with the Father, and should be worshipped the same. Isa. 40:3, Jn. 8:58, Jn. 10:30, Jn. 9:38, Heb. 1:6

Acts 17:10,11 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. I Corinthians 2:10-12 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. I John 2:20,27 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. But the anointing that you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie--just as it has taught you, abide in Him.

Major Differences Jehovah s Witnesses The Watchtower Society is God s voice of Truth on earth. People are incapable of finding truth they need the Watchtower to teach them. Jehovah is the only name that should be used for God. Using the name Jehovah is necessary for salvation. Jesus is not Jehovah or one with Him, and is not to be worshipped as such. Christianity Scripture is God s voice of Truth on earth. People with God s Spirit are capable learning God s Truth from Scripture. Father, among other names, are used for God in Scripture. Salvation is found in the name of Jesus. Jesus is Jehovah (YHWH), is one with the Father, and should be worshipped the same. Bible II Timothy 3:16, John 17:17 II Pet. 1:20,21, Jn. 16:12,13 Acts 17:10,11 I Cor. 2:10-12, I Jn 2:20,27 Matthew 6:9, Romans 8:15 Psalm 51:10, Daniel 9:4 Rom. 10:9, Acts 4:11,12 Isa. 40:3, Jn. 8:58, Jn. 10:30, Jn. 9:38, Heb. 1:6

Matthew 6:9 Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father! Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Daniel 9:4 I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments.

Major Differences Jehovah s Witnesses The Watchtower Society is God s voice of Truth on earth. People are incapable of finding truth they need the Watchtower to teach them. Jehovah is the only name that should be used for God. Using the name Jehovah is necessary for salvation. Jesus is not Jehovah or one with Him, and is not to be worshipped as such. Christianity Scripture is God s voice of Truth on earth. People with God s Spirit are capable learning God s Truth from Scripture. Father, among other names, are used for God in Scripture. Salvation is found in the name of Jesus. Jesus is Jehovah (YHWH), is one with the Father, and should be worshipped the same. Bible II Tim. 3:16, John 17:17 II Pet. 1:20,21, Jn. 16:12,13 Acts 17:10,11 I Cor. 2:10-12, I Jn 2:20,27 Matthew 6:9, Romans 8:15 Psalm 51:10, Daniel 9:4 Rom. 10:9, Acts 4:11,12 Isa. 40:3, Jn. 8:58, Jn. 10:30, Jn. 9:38, Heb. 1:6

Romans 10:9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Acts 4:11,12 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Major Differences Jehovah s Witnesses The Watchtower Society is God s voice of Truth on earth. People are incapable of finding truth they need the Watchtower to teach them. Jehovah is the only name that should be used for God. Using the name Jehovah is necessary for salvation. Jesus is not Jehovah or one with Him, and is not to be worshipped as such. Christianity Scripture is God s voice of Truth on earth. People with God s Spirit are capable learning God s Truth from Scripture. Father, among other names, are used for God in Scripture. Salvation is found in the name of Jesus. Jesus is Jehovah (YHWH), is one with the Father, and should be worshipped the same. Bible II Tim. 3:16, John 17:17 II Pet. 1:20,21, Jn. 16:12,13 Acts 17:10,11 I Cor. 2:10-12, I Jn 2:20,27 Matthew 6:9, Romans 8:15 Psalm 51:10, Daniel 9:4 Rom. 10:9, Acts 4:11,12 Isa. 40:3, Jn. 8:58, Jn. 10:30, Jn. 9:38, Heb. 1:6

Isaiah 40:3 A voice cries: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord (YHWH); make straight in the desert a highway for our God. John 8:58 Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM. John 10:30 I and the Father are One. John 9:38 He said, Lord, I believe, and he worshiped Him. Hebrews 1:6 And again, when He brings the firstborn into the world, He says, Let all God's angels worship him.

Major Differences Jehovah s Witnesses Jesus was created as the archangel Michael. Jesus is a lesser god than the Father (Jehovah). (Jn. 14:28, I Cor. 11:3, Jn. 3:16, Jn. 20:17) Jesus rose from the dead as an invisible spirit, materializing at times and returned in 1914. The Holy Spirit is not a person. Christianity Jesus is eternal, is the Creator, and is far greater than angels. Jesus is equal with the Father. Jesus rose from the dead with a physical body, and is yet to return. The Holy Spirit is a Person. Bible Col. 1:16, Jn. 1:2,3 Heb. 1:2-4 Jn. 14:28, Gal. 3:28, Lk. 1:35, Heb. 2:9, Phil. 2:5-7 Lk. 24:39, 41,42, Jn. 20:27, Mt. 24:26,27,30 Rom. 8:26,27, Eph. 4:30 I Cor. 12:11 The word trinity is not in the Bible, so the belief is false. The Trinity is taught in the Bible, though the term isn t used. Deut. 6:4, Matt. 28:19, I Pet. 1:2, Jn. 20:28, Acts 5:3,4

Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities all things were created through Him and for Him. John 1:2,3 He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. Hebrews 1:6 And again, when He brings the firstborn into the world, He says, Let all God's angels worship Him.

Major Differences Jehovah s Witnesses Jesus was created as the archangel Michael. Jesus is a lesser god than the Father (Jehovah). (Jn. 14:28, I Cor. 11:3, Jn. 3:16, Jn. 20:17) Jesus rose from the dead as an invisible spirit, materializing at times and returned in 1914. The Holy Spirit is not a person. Christianity Jesus is eternal, is the Creator, and is far greater than angels. Jesus is equal with the Father. Jesus rose from the dead with a physical body, and is yet to return. The Holy Spirit is a Person. Bible Col. 1:16, Jn. 1:2,3 Heb. 1:6 Jn. 14:28, Gal. 3:28, Lk. 1:35, Heb. 2:9, Phil. 2:5-7 Lk. 24:39, 41,42, Jn. 20:27, Mt. 24:26,27,30 Rom. 8:26,27, Eph. 4:30 I Cor. 12:11 The word trinity is not in the Bible, so the belief is false. The Trinity is taught in the Bible, though the term isn t used. Deut. 6:4, Matt. 28:19, I Pet. 1:2, Jn. 20:28, Acts 5:3,4

John 14:28..I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I I Corinthians 11:3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 20:17 Jesus said to her I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God. ------------------------------------- John 14:28 You heard me say to you, I am going away, and I will come to you. If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Luke 1:35 And the angel answered her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy the Son of God Hebrews 2:9 But we see Him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. Philippians 2:5-7 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

Major Differences Jehovah s Witnesses Jesus was created as the archangel Michael. Jesus is a lesser god than the Father (Jehovah). (Jn. 14:28, I Cor. 11:3, Jn. 3:16, Jn. 20:17) Jesus rose from the dead as an invisible spirit, materializing at times and returned in 1914. The Holy Spirit is not a person. Christianity Jesus is eternal, is the Creator, and is far greater than angels. Jesus is equal with the Father. Jesus rose from the dead with a physical body, and is yet to return. The Holy Spirit is a Person. Bible Col. 1:16, Jn. 1:2,3 Heb. 1:6 Jn. 14:28, Gal. 3:28, Lk. 1:35, Heb. 2:9, Phil. 2:5-7 Lk. 24:39, 41,42, Jn. 20:27, Mt. 24:26,27,30 Rom. 8:26,27, Eph. 4:30 I Cor. 12:11 The word trinity is not in the Bible, so the belief is false. The Trinity is taught in the Bible, though the term isn t used. Deut. 6:4, Matt. 28:19, I Pet. 1:2, Jn. 20:28, Acts 5:3,4

Luke 24:39,41,42 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have. And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, He said to them, Have you anything here to eat? They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and He took it and ate before them. John 20:27 Then He said to Thomas, Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in My side. Do not disbelieve, but believe. Matthew 24:26,27,30 So, if they say to you, Look, He is in the wilderness, do not go out. If they say, Look, He is in the inner rooms, do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Major Differences Jehovah s Witnesses Jesus was created as the archangel Michael. Jesus is a lesser god than the Father (Jehovah). (Jn. 14:28, I Cor. 11:3, Jn. 3:16, Jn. 20:17) Jesus rose from the dead as an invisible spirit, materializing at times and returned in 1914. The Holy Spirit is not a person. Christianity Jesus is eternal, is the Creator, and is far greater than angels. Jesus is equal with the Father. Jesus rose from the dead with a physical body, and is yet to return. The Holy Spirit is a Person. Bible Col. 1:16, Jn. 1:2,3 Heb. 1:6 Jn. 14:28, Gal. 3:28, Lk. 1:35, Heb. 2:9, Phil. 2:5-7 Lk. 24:39, 41,42, Jn. 20:27, Mt. 24:26,27,30 Rom. 8:26,27, Eph. 4:30 I Cor. 12:11 The word trinity is not in the Bible, so the belief is false. The Trinity is taught in the Bible, though the term isn t used. Deut. 6:4, Matt. 28:19, I Pet. 1:2, Jn. 20:28, Acts 5:3,4

Romans 8:26,27 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. I Corinthians 12:11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He wills.

Major Differences Jehovah s Witnesses Jesus was created as the archangel Michael. Jesus is a lesser god than the Father (Jehovah). (Jn. 14:28, I Cor. 11:3, Jn. 3:16, Jn. 20:17) Jesus rose from the dead as an invisible spirit, materializing at times and returned in 1914. The Holy Spirit is not a person. Christianity Jesus is eternal, is the Creator, and is far greater than angels. Jesus is equal with the Father. Jesus rose from the dead with a physical body, and is yet to return. The Holy Spirit is a Person. Bible Col. 1:16, Jn. 1:2,3 Heb. 1:6 Jn. 14:28, Gal. 3:28, Lk. 1:35, Heb. 2:9, Phil. 2:5-7 Lk. 24:39, 41,42, Jn. 20:27, Mt. 24:26,27,30 Rom. 8:26,27, Eph. 4:30 I Cor. 12:11 The word trinity is not in the Bible, so the belief is false. The Trinity is taught in the Bible, though the term isn t used. Isa. 45:21, Matt. 28:19, I Pet. 1:2, Jn. 20:28, Acts 5:3,4

Isaiah 45:21 Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no other god besides Me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides Me. Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. I Peter 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with His blood. John 20:28 Thomas answered Him, "My Lord and my God!" Acts 5:3,4 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."!"

Major Differences Jehovah s Witnesses Only 144,000 J.W. s are born again and will go to heaven. Salvation includes faith in Jehovah, but depends largely on works. Christianity All who believe in Christ are born again and will go to heaven. Salvation is entirely by faith in Jesus Christ, apart from works. Bible Rev. 7:4, Eph. 2:19, Phil. 3:20, Jn. 10:16, I Jn. 5:1 Rom. 3:24,28, Gal. 2:16, Eph. 2:8,9, Acts 4:11,12 Eternal suffering doesn t exist. The wicked are annihilated. The wicked begin their eternal punishment as soon as they die. Lk. 16:22,23, Matt. 25:46, Rev. 20:15 J.W. s after 1935 who die enter soul sleep, and can earn everlasting life in millennium. All Christians go to be with Christ after death. II Cor. 5:8, Phil. 1:23,24 Lk. 16:22,23, Rev. 6:9,10

Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel. Ephesians 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. John 10:16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. I John 5:1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of Him.

Romans 3:24,28 and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Galatians 2:16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Ephesians 2:8,9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Acts 4:11,12 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Luke 16:22,23 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. Matthew 25:46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. Revelation 20:15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Major Differences Jehovah s Witnesses Only 144,000 J.W. s are born again and will go to heaven. Salvation includes faith in Jehovah, but depends mainly on works. Christianity All who believe in Christ are born again and will go to heaven. Salvation is entirely by faith in Jesus Christ, apart from works. Bible Rev. 7:4, Eph. 2:19, Phil. 3:20, Jn. 10:16, I Jn. 5:1 Rom. 3:24,28, Gal. 2:16, Eph. 2:8,9, Acts 4:11,12 Eternal suffering doesn t exist. The wicked are annihilated. The wicked begin their eternal punishment as soon as they die. Lk. 16:22,23, Matt. 25:46, Rev. 20:15 J.W. s after 1935 who die enter soul sleep, and can earn everlasting life in millennium. All Christians go to be with Christ after death. II Cor. 5:8, Phil. 1:23,24 Lk. 16:22,23, Rev. 6:9,10

II Corinthians 5:8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. Philippians 1:23,24 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Luke 16:22,23 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. Revelation 6:9,10 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?