Three distinct Persons, yet one God. They only see Jehovah as the true mighty God, not Jesus or the Holy Spirit. [146], For anointed Witnesses, salvation is said to be achieved through their death and subsequent resurrection to heavenly life to share with Christ as a co-ruler of God's kingdom;[147] for others, it is gained by preservation through the Great Tribulation and the battle of Armageddon. In addition to all of these things, the Holy Spirit can do things that a person can do such as giving commands (Acts 8:29), interceding for others (Romans 8:26), teaching (John 14:26), and testifying of the Father (John 15:26). JW.org explains, " [W]e take Jesus at his word when he said: 'The Father is greater than I am.' Jehovah's Witnesses & Their Beliefs Now, try the right place. Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, 1993. [121][122] The Society teaches that the first human, Adam, was created in 4026 BCE. Jehovah's Witnesses believe Christianity died soon after Christ, but was resurrected under Russell. (Matthew 10:8; 23:8) We do not practice tithing, and no collections are ever taken at our meetings. Jehovah's Witnesses are a religious group with more than eight million members around the world. Jehovah's Witness - Beliefs | Britannica Beliefs Witnesses hold a number of traditional Christian views but also many that are unique to them. For activities and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses, see, Testimony by Fred Franz, Transcript, Lord Strachan vs. Douglas Walsh, 1954. p. 123, as reproduced in R.Franz. An elder, one of the group's leaders, anxiously shares an . Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/jehovahs-witnesses-beliefs-700792. Why Do Cults Use God Falsely in Their Mission? Our unity. They also believe that the soul dies when the body dies and must wait until the resurrection before Jehovah "remembers" the personality of the deceased and . Repent of your sins, believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection to save you . [193] They believe coerced worship is unacceptable to God. [202], Jehovah's Witnesses regard secular education as fundamental, but they emphasize their preaching work as the top priority in their life. The issue is said to be whether God can rightfully claim to be sovereign of the universe. They believe it is God's will to "abstain from blood" (Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 17:10;. [77][85] The use of his personal name is regarded as vital for true worship,[86] and Witnesses usually preface the term God with the name Jehovah. [208] Witnesses are told they must loathe and hate in the "biblical sense of the word" those who are defined as apostates and show no curiosity about their ideas,[209] and that apostates' "whole purpose is to tear down God's people and to distort the truth. [131] Death is considered a state of non-existence, based on their understanding of Ecclesiastes 9:5: "For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all." Jehovahs Witnesses try to claim that they are Christians, but they are not. (Matthew 20:28; Acts 5:31) Thus, we are Christians. JW.org explains, "[W]e take Jesus at his word when he said: 'The Father is greater than I am.' The Lord also demonstrated Himself to be physically raised from the dead because His disciples touched Him, and Thomas placed his hands and fingers into Jesus wounds (Matthew 28:9; John 20:27-29). Salvation. Jehovahs Witnesses believe in a myriad of unbiblical ideas. Like the Quakers, another Christian religious group, they are conscientious objectors regarding military. Evil and suffering. [68][69], The entire Protestant canon of scripture is seen as the inspired, inerrant word of God. Jehovah's Witnesses believe and teach that Jesus Christ is the . "When a person dies, he ceases to exist. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Looking for love in all the wrong places? The Trinity is the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The basis for this belief originates from several sources: primarily, they believe the celebration of birthdays stems from pagan rituals. One as becoming inactive, one as becoming disassociated, and one as becoming disfellowshipped. [105][106] They believe that demons were originally angels who rebelled against God and took Satan's side in the controversy. Jehovah's Witnesses don't say "god bless you" when someone sneezes, because that practice supposedly has a pagan origin. I'm laid back and get along with everyone. [181] Satan will subsequently attack Jehovah's Witnesses, an action that will prompt God to begin the war of Armageddon, during which all forms of government and all people not counted as Christ's "sheep", or true followers, will be destroyed. If you are a Jehovahs Witness or you know one, share these truths with them. [102] Since 1936, Jehovah's Witnesses have rejected the idea that Jesus died on a cross, and instead teach that he died on a single wooden stake (crux simplex), asserting that the Koine Greek word "" (stauros) refers to a single upright post. Thus, Jesus was physically resurrected from the dead. Individuals who are inactive discontinue their preaching work and distance themselves from the congregation. (Psalm 83:18; Revelation 4:11) He is the God of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.Exodus 3:6; 32:11; John 20:17. United Methodist Church: History & Beliefs [11] Witnesses refer to all their beliefs collectively as "the Truth". Ex-Jehovah witness religion or personals for ex-jehovah's witnesses - is, and. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Salvation is only by placing faith in Christ, not by following rules. Christians believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. (Psalm 146:4; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) They do not suffer in a fiery hell of torment. Outside of Jesus, there is no way to salvation. He is not an impersonal force. [123], Publications of Jehovah's Witnesses teach that God's kingdom is a literal government in heaven, established in 1914,[124] ruled by Jesus Christ and 144,000 humans raised to heaven. [32][33][34] Robert Crompton, author of a book on Watch Tower eschatology, has noted that it is difficult to trace the development of doctrines, because explicit changes are often not identified in Jehovah's Witness literature, leaving readers to assume which details have been superseded. [215] Author James Penton's major study of the Witnesses, Apocalypse Delayed, noted that of those Witnesses who do progress to university level, few are likely to take studies in such areas as the humanities and the social sciences, "disciplines that are most threatening to the Witness world-view". Jehovah's Witnesses believe God is the Creator and Supreme Being. [84], Witnesses teach that God must be distinguished by his personal nameJehovah. Witnesses reject the Trinity doctrine . Worship services begin and end with prayer and may include singing. This date is said to also mark when the Last Days began. Bowler then try to meet and even drive-in. [93] His birth on earth was accomplished when he willingly allowed himself to be transferred, by God, from heaven to the womb of the virgin, Mary. What is the condition of the dead? During his ministry, Russell quarreled with many tenets of mainstream Christianity, including immortality of the soul, hellfire, predestination, the fleshly return of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and the burning up of the world. They also don't celebrate other national holidays or birthdays in an attempt to remain separate from the world. (Deuteronomy 4:15-19; 1John 5:21) Key aspects of our worship include the following: Reading and studying the Bible.Psalm 1:1-3. Death. Basically, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that their own members will survive Armageddon, and live on earth after everyone else dies in the day of destruction. They do not believe in the Trinity. However, to deviate from the beliefs would be to position oneself in a light of apostasy. The Lord also ate food multiple times after His resurrection, which proved His body was physically resurrected (Luke 24:30; John 21-12-13). 1. And they claim to have support for their views in the Bible. Jesus served as a ransom sacrifice to pay for the sins of all humankind. Answer (1 of 6): Three questions here. [5], Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the present world order, which they perceive as being under the control of Satan, will be ended by a direct intervention of Jehovah (God), who will use Jesus Christ to fully establish his heavenly government over earth, destroying existing human governments and non-Witnesses,[6][7][8] and creating a cleansed society of true worshippers who will live forever. (John 8:44) This angel, who after his rebellion was called Satan and Devil, persuaded the first human couple to join him, and the consequences have been disastrous for their descendants. They only see Jehovah as being God. Jesus was not only a spirit when He was resurrected. [195] Individuals who choose to depart and announce their decision to terminate their membership are regarded as abandoning God's organization and protection. These teachings are disseminated through The Watchtower magazine and other publications of Jehovah's Witnesses, and at conventions and congregation meetings. They are also known for their evangelical work going door-to-door attempting to make converts. Earth. [37] Watch Tower Society publications strongly discourage Witnesses from formulating doctrines and "private ideas" reached through independent Bible research. (Matthew 28:19, 20; John 3:16; Acts 3:19, 20) A persons works prove that his faith is alive. 10 Things Everyone Should Know about Seventh-Day Adventists and Their Beliefs, 10 Things Everyone Should Know about Mennonites and Their Beliefs, 10 Things Everyone Should Know about Baptists. Phil. [83] Being respectful of the principle of free will, he does not force his sovereignty on people, choosing to save only those who want to serve him, even though the course of mankind in general may lead them to harm. We follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ and honor him as our Savior and as the Son of God. Why Are There So Many Christian Interpretations? This is wrong because the Holy Spirit is God, and He is divine. [166] As such, the Second Coming is considered an invisible presence, lasting for an extended period of time, and ending with Jesus' "coming" to separate the Sheep and the Goats. As Jehovahs Witnesses, we strive to adhere to the form of Christianity that Jesus taught and that his apostles practiced. Conflict arises at times with the medical staff concerning how best to manage their care. They believe they have the only true religion and that all other religions are under Satan. They will be given the opportunity to join Jesus' "other sheep" and live forever on a paradise earth. [88] Because no other religion uses the name Jehovah with the same prevalence, they believe that only Jehovah's Witnesses are making God's name known. 2. [104], Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Satan was originally a perfect angel who developed feelings of self-importance and craved worship that belonged to God. According to The Watchtower, "the Governing Body does not keep a list of all partakers, for it does not maintain a global network of anointed ones. We worship the one true and Almighty God, the Creator, whose name is Jehovah. This article is part of our Denomination Series listing historical facts and theological information about different factions within and from the Christian religion. [164], Watch Tower Society publications teach that Jesus Christ began to rule in heaven invisibly as king in October 1914. Satan persuaded Adam and Eve to obey him rather than God, raising the issueoften referred to as a "controversy"of whether people, having been granted free will, would obey God under both temptation and persecution. These include literacy classes, Pioneer Service School, School for Kingdom Evangelizers and Gilead School. (Galatians 6:10; 2Corinthians 6:14) However, we respect the choices that others make in such matters.Romans 14:12. They believe that all intelligent creatures are endowed with free will, and that salvation is dependent on God's "undeserved kindness", but also requires faith in God and in the "ransom sacrifice" of Jesus Christ,[142] demonstrated by "zealous" preaching activity. This article is about Jehovah's Witnesses' core beliefs. Jesus is the King of Gods Kingdom in heaven. [31] However, the Governing Body disclaims infallibility and divine inspiration. (Acts 24:15) However, those who refuse to learn Gods ways after being raised to life will be destroyed forever with no hope of a resurrection.Revelation 20:14, 15. Jehovah's Witnesses don't celebrate any holidays, a category which they believe includes birthdays.. [163] Those of the "other sheep" who survive Armageddon without needing a resurrection, are referred to as the "great crowd". Although they are generally law-abiding, believing that governments are established by God to maintain peace and order, they refuse on biblical grounds to observe certain laws. Witnesses believe that they are living in the last days, and they look forward to the imminent establishment of Gods kingdom on earth, which will be headed by Christ and jointly administered by 144,000 human corulers (Revelation 7:4). They believe having faith in Jesus means believing in Him, but they do not see Him as being sufficient to give them salvation. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Jehovah's Witnesses hold the controversial view of rejecting blood transfusions, even in life or death situations. Despite widespread excitement over a cure, Jehovah's Witnesses contend that a plasma-based solution would be a gross violation of their beliefs. "Jehovahs Witnesses remain politically neutral for religious reasons, based on what the Bible teaches. Consequently, they refuse all ecumenical relations with other religious denominations. Jehovah's Witnesses are a people of faith that many of us likely don't know that much about. They believe God, who's name is Jehovah (Ps. [216] Watch Tower Society publications advise parents to recommend alternatives to university education for their children, suggesting associate degrees from community or technical colleges or short courses in subjects. [65], Although many of their eschatological teachings have changed over the years,[66] Jehovah's Witnesses have consistently claimed to be the only true religion. [155][156], Members who claim to be anointed are not given special treatment by other congregation members. [23], Jehovah's Witnesses are directed to welcome doctrinal changes, regarding such "adjustments" as "new light" or "new understanding" from God. 9. Jehovahs Witnesses do not believe Jesus is God, which means they do not place faith in Christ as their Savior and Lord. Refresh the page, check Medium 's site status, or find something interesting to read. While all members are considered ministers, an elder or overseer conducts services and usually gives a sermon on a Bible topic. Find single woman in the US with footing. Jehovah's Witnesses also believe that Armageddon is coming very soon. Meeting together to pray, study the Bible, sing, express our faith, and encourage fellow Witnesses and others.Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 10:23-25. PRIVACY POLICY [205] Apostates are described as proud, independent, ungrateful and presumptuous,[204] mentally diseased,[206][207] displaying jealousy, fits of anger and other unchristian conduct and are said to often fall victim to drunken bouts, loose conduct and fornication. Photo courtesy: Thinkstock/luchschen, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is not equal with God. Members of local congregations, known as publishers, meet at Kingdom Halls and engage in doorstep preaching. Photo courtesy: Thinkstock/kevinschreiber, Similar to their view of Jesus, Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe the Holy Spirit is equal with the Father. [174][175] They believe that their preaching is also part of that sign, citing Matthew 24:14. They continue to face persecution in several countries, however, particularly for their refusal to serve in the military, and they are often publicly derided for their door-to-door evangelism. Looking for an old soul like myself. They reject the concept of universal salvation[141] and the concept of predestination. 1. Jehovahs Witnesses have a wrong view of salvation in addition to their other erroneous beliefs. [38][39][40][41] Members who promote privately developed teachings contrary to those of the Governing Body may be expelled and shunned. The Lord declared Himself to be God through His seven I AM statements (John 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15). [139][140], Jehovah's Witnesses' believe that faith in Jesus' ransom sacrifice is essential for salvation. The Bible teaches the truth of the Trinity in multiple passages. We do not lobby, vote for political parties or candidates, run for government office, or participate in any action to change governments. The translators of The New World Translation were: Nathan Knorr, Albert Schroeder, George Gangas, Fred Franz, M. They believe that Daniel chapter 4 prophesied a period of 2,520 years starting with 607 BCE and ending at 1914 CE. [198] Individuals who commit serious sins and are unrepentant are considered disfellowshipped. The Meaning of Angel Numbers: Are They Biblical or Demonic? "Some treatments conflict with Bible principles, though, and we reject these. The Jehovah's Witness beliefs about God are outlined in detail below. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is not just an impersonal force as the Jehovahs Witnesses believe. They believe that when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, the line of kings descended from David was interrupted, and that God's throne was "trampled on" from then until Jesus began ruling in October 1914. Jesus is said to have been used by God in the creation of all other things. Jehovah's Witnesses are primarily known to physicians for their refusal of blood transfusions. The Governing Body, a small group of mature Christians who serve at our world headquarters, provides direction for Jehovahs Witnesses worldwide.Matthew 24:45. (John 17:17; 2Timothy 3:16) We base our beliefs on all 66 of its books, which include both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Professor Jason D. BeDuhn aptly described it when he wrote that Jehovahs Witnesses built their system of belief and practice from the raw material of the Bible without predetermining what was to be found there.a. A Jehovah's Witness must become worthy of salvation. [78][79] They view God as the Father, an invisible spirit "person" separate from the Son, Jesus Christ. [195] Watch Tower publications define three different types of defection. Jehovah's Witnesses believe salvation is obtained by a combination of faith, good works, and obedience. Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Muslims and others say Jesus was merely a human prophet, an angel, or some other created being. Seventh-Day Adventists & Their Beliefs When she is not writing, she is embarking on other adventures. Vivian Brickerloves Jesus, studying the Word of God, and helping others in their walk with Christ. Before this translation was released specifically by and for Jehovah's Witnesses, most relied on the King James Version. Who are the Jehovah's Witnesses? God will bring billions back from death by means of a resurrection. (The secularly accepted date for the fall of Jerusalem is within a year of 587 BCE; exiles were taken in various years, with most Jews exiled to Babylon following the siege of Jerusalem of 597 BCE.) No more than four-in-ten members of the group belong to any one racial and ethnic background: 36% are white, 32% are Hispanic, 27% are black and 6% are another race or mixed race. Jehovah's Witnesses use a Bible translation called the New World Translation. Zavada, Jack. [196], They are still visited by church elders yearly and encouraged by congregation members. Influenced by Restorationism in the 19th century, Charles Taze Russell and his associates formed a Bible study group in the 1870s in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, developing teachings that they considered to be a revival of "the great truths taught by Jesus and the Apostles". [217] According to Carrie S. Ingersoll-Wood, "By eliminating access to external knowledge, the congregation as a whole surrenders autonomy and willingly subjects themselves and their children to the external regulation of the religion. This belief, which is contrary to standard medical practice, remains an additional point of controversy with authorities, especially in cases concerning children. Moreover, governments are the preferred tool of the devil and this is why members are forbidden to get involved in any political action. The Bible never directly uses the term Trinity, yet the truth of the Trinity is present. In Germany prior to World War II, the Nazis sent Witnesses to concentration camps, and Witnesses were also persecuted in Britain, Canada, and the United States. [36] All Witnesses are expected to abide by the doctrines and organizational requirements as determined by the Governing Body. Jehovah 's Witnesses believe that Jesus is not equal with God. [103] According to the Watch Tower society, some Jehovah's Witnesses have been persecuted or killed for not venerating a cross. [176][177] Witnesses teach that in 1918, Jesus resurrected those of the 144,000 (the "anointed") who had already died to heavenly life; since 1918, any "anointed" are individually resurrected to heavenly life at the time of their death to serve as kings alongside Christ in his heavenly government. How Is Harry Potter a Literary Christ Figure? People who die pass out of existence. Jehovah's Witnesses (hereafter JWs) consider themselves to be Christians ( but not Protestants ), even though they reject the doctrine of the Trinity. Explore the various characteristics of different denominations from our list below! Does the Bible Mention What to Give Up for Lent? [186], Most of those who had died prior to God's intervention will gradually be resurrected to a "day of judgment" lasting for the thousand years referred to in Revelation 20. Jehovahs Witnesses do not believe Jesus is God. Family. Why? [128] The kingdom is said to have been the focus of Jesus' ministry. There are concerns that those who seek high education will become distracted from their preaching work by material advancement and success. They do not salute the flag of any nation, believing it an act of false worship; they refuse to perform military service; and they do not participate in public elections. In this statement, the Lord is telling His disciples to baptize others in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, thus equating each of the three Members of the Trinity. Is the number one destination for online dating with more . Heaven. 3. After the war the Witnesses brought several suits in American courts dealing with their beliefs and practices, resulting in 59 Supreme Court rulings that were regarded as major judgments on the free exercise of religion. The BBC reports that Witnesses believe the end times began in 1914. 5 things you should know, 10 Things You Should Know about Jehovah's Witnesses, Catholic Church: History, Tradition & Beliefs, Mormons: The Church of Latter Day Saints & Their Beliefs, United Methodist Church: History & Beliefs, The Pentecostal Church: History & Beliefs, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Answer (1 of 14): In their defense, I could argue that every religion has its own peculiarities and "weird" beliefs (transubstantiation [1]anyone?). Jesus acts as the mediator of a "new covenant"[96] referred to in Jeremiah 31:31, Luke 22:20, and Hebrews 9:15; 12:24, mediating between the parties of that covenant (God and the "144,000"). Jehovahs Witnesses also hold to the belief of annihilationism. New members are baptized by immersion and are expected to live by a strict code of personal conduct. Presbyterians: History & Beliefs [29], Watch Tower literature has suggested such enlightenment results from the application of reason and study,[30] the guidance of holy spirit, and direction from Jesus Christ and angels. Jehovah's Witnesses believe God is the Creator and Supreme Being. This is a real government in heaven, not a condition in the hearts of Christians. The Jehovahs Witnesses believe Jesus is a lesser god, but not the God of the universe. We are organized into congregations, each of which is overseen by a body of elders. [136] They reason that complete destruction does not allow for literal "torture" of the wicked, as the deceased person is not conscious. Should Christians Seek Revelation from God Apart from the Bible? Jehovah's Witnesses believe that only 144,000 persons since the time of Jesus can ever go to heaven, there to be co-rulers with Christ Jesus over the inhabitants of a paradise earth. [193][199], Jehovah's Witnesses claim the purpose of denying fellowship to a wrongdoer safeguards the congregation's moral and spiritual cleanliness and protects its name. Many people are curious about who Jehovahs Witnesses are. [180] This will mark the beginning of the great tribulation. The Witnesses understand Jesus' words at John 3:3"except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God"to apply to the 144,000 who are "born again" as "anointed" sons of God in heaven. When Taze began disputing some of the traditional views within Christianity, the Jehovah's Witnesses were born. WHO ARE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES? (Luke 11:13) The Bible also compares Gods spirit to water and associates it with such things as faith and knowledge.

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