Jehovah's Witnesses

In a previous post about 7th Day Adventists, I concluded with a strong caution against attending one of their churches but couldn’t go so far as to say that every single one of their churches was heretical. I will not have that same conclusion today. 

This post is an introduction to the history, theology, practice of the “Jehovah’s Witnesses.” There is certainly much that we will not be able to cover, but I hope this is a helpful overview that can be read and remembered!

The modern-day religious group known as Jehovah’s Witnesses began in Pennsylvania in 1870 as a small Bible class led by Charles Taze Russell. As he continued to develop his own understanding (and as we will find, his “misunderstanding”) of Scripture, he called his group the “Millennial Dawn Bible Study” and began writing a volume series of books called “The Millennial Dawn.” This book contained his interpretation of various topics including principles of biblical interpretation, immortality and soul-sleeping, the present gospel age, the millennium, and probation after death. This work has become the foundation for the modern movement. 

16 years later the “Watchtower Bible and Tract Society” was founded in order to more effectively communicate and disseminate Russell’s teachings. Following Russel’s death in 1916, “Judge” J. F. Rutherford assumed leadership and published the 7th and final volume of “The Millennium Dawn” which provided a detailed interpretation of the books of Ezekiel, Revelation, and the Song of Solomon. 

Transitioning to what they believe is a complex discussion that progresses in a cyclical pattern. I say that because as Russell and Rutherford shared their teachings, critics would dispute them with clear Scriptural passages. This would lead to an official “re-interpretation” of that biblical passage. (Example: Jehovah’s Witnesses claim that Jesus and Michael the Archangel arre the same being rejecting biblical passages declaring Jesus to be God. [John 1:1, 14; 8:58; 10:30]) 

Therefore, the governing body of the Jehovah’s Witnesses (currently 11 members in New York) authorized a new Bible translation known as the “New World Translation.” They claimed that the Bible had become corrupted throughout the centuries and a new, pure translation was needed. This translation made many alterations as well as deletions in the final product. The governing body also claimed sole and final authority in all matters of biblical interpretation. Their explanation and decisions are always final.

Their new version vindicated many errant and heretical teachings including: the rejection of the Trinity, the rejection of the divinity of the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ, the rejection of salvation by grace alone through faith alone, and rejection of Christ’s substitutionary atonement for sin. Obviously, this self-propagating model only served to spread even more heresy and false teaching. 

Though it sounds comical, other than re-writing their own Bible, the Jehovah’s Witnesses also have repeatedly engaged in verifiably false prophecies. The Watchtower Society has on numerous occasions predicted in print the end of the world, the most recent dates being in 1946, 1950, and 1975. What makes their false prophecy all the more damning is when their false predictions are seen in the light of their own claim to be "the true prophetic mouthpiece for God on earth at this time." The Old Testament had very clear and serious consequences for a prophet that claimed to speak for God who did not. (Deut. 18:20)

In order to “protect” their followers from being led astray by others, the Watchtower Society has cultically isolated its people from things like military service, celebration of holidays, birthdays, the Boy Scouts, wearing religious icons like a cross, embracing national allegiance, certain medical practices, and many other things. 

Jehovah’s Witnesses reject the idea of an eternal Hell and claim that at death, the consciousness of man is ended, unable to experience anything (including torment.) They believe that it goes against the reality of God’s love to send people to an eternal hell. They translate all instances of “Hell” as “grave.” They do believe that God can (and has) resurrected people and that those who die and remain in God’s memory may be resurrected to enjoy the paradise on earth for those who are chosen to enjoy it. 

Only 144,000 “Christians” will be allowed to enter heaven to rule with Jesus in the new earthly kingdoms/ societies. They reject the notion that all Christians go to heaven, rather teaching that they remain on earth in a state of pure paradise. It is taught that going “house to house” is the only means by which true evangelism can occur, so those who claim to be evangelizing in other “so-called Christian” groups (Orthodox Christians) are making false conversions. Perhaps you have received letters, phone calls, or house visits from JW members. There is a immense pressure to live a life that is worthy of earthly paradise, or maybe even admittance into that ever-so-limited number of 144,000. 

Finally, for those who leave the JW faith, there are many challenges to overcome from societal and familial shunning to general social rehabilitation. The word cult gets thrown around quite a bit in our world, but in this case, it is true and appropriate. 

We need to pray that the Holy Spirit (God Himself), would use us to share the true gospel of Jesus Christ (Very God) to all who do not yet know and believe in Him as Creator, Redeemer, and Friend. We serve a great God who has revealed Himself through the pages of Scripture so that we may be restored through no merit that we can claim, to the praise of His glorious grace! May we know His Word, treasure His Character, and Magnify His name!

“Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth, and sky, and sea;

Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!

God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.”

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