- Proverbs 8, particularly vs 22 - the claim was that this shows Christ as a created being. It will require more study; but, the initial viewpoint is that this refers to wisdom personified and the language is not saying that Christ is created; for He was in the Beginning and created all things.
- Colossians 1:15 - the claim was that because Christ was the "firstborn" of all creation, it shows that He was the first created being; but, in keeping with the use of "firstborn" in other parts of the Bible as well as from the original language, it refers not to the order of "birth"; but rather on the supremacy and preeminance above all Creation
- John 1:1 - In the New World Translation, it does not translate it as all other translations do, that the Word was God. Also, my Bible footnote referenced 1 John 5:20, which points to Jesus Christ as the "true God and eternal life". Other verses in the Bible that say Christ is God are: Colossians 2:9 & Titus 2:13
- Genesis 1 - the view is that God created the earth to be filled; and so, with the "new earth", the saved will live on the restored earth rather than heaven. In this viewpoint, I don't currently have a strong perspective yet - I know there will be a new heaven and a new earth. As to where God is specifically preparing that place for me, I just know it is part of His Kingdom. Whether it is part of the new heaven or the new earth doesn't really make a difference to me - this is where it just may be because I haven't focused much on the details of End Times theology or beyond. I feel that it is prophecy, and I will just find out the details when I get there; rather than trying to guess what it may mean. However, from what I have read, where this was likely leading to was the viewpoint that they hold that only the 144,000 can enter heaven; but the other will live on earth. We did not have a chance to discuss; but, I would challenge that the 144,000 are the Jewish remnant at the End Times, NOT the first 144,000 Jehovah's witness who were also likely Gentiles
- They also say that there is no hell; but rather Gehenna; because they cannot see a loving God "torturing" anyone for eternity. Yet, I do not see it as God "torturing", it is just that eternal damnation is in a place where God is not present. And, of course, with relation to the punishment of sin, it is what a just God would do. Yes, God is Loving, but He is also Just.
I have more to learn in order to effectively respond to these viewpoints; but, it has been an interesting discussion. He mentioned that he would like to continue by "studying" more together. I would like to learn first-hand what their views are, so that I would be able to address them more directly. I also pray that God may grant me wisdom and protection; and that His TRUTH will be made clear. Amen.
5-May: After having more discussions and gone through a "study" on one of the JW lessons, following are some of my additional comments:
5-May: After having more discussions and gone through a "study" on one of the JW lessons, following are some of my additional comments:
- The JWs place so much emphasis on only addressing God by His Name, Jehovah. But, God's Name is written in the Hebrew Tetragrammaton YHWH, so would be closer to Yahweh and is typically translated LORD. Also the Tetragrammaton is not found in the NT Greek. God also clearly uses other names; for example, in Exodus, He tells Moses that He is "I AM". He is also Adonai, Elohim, and El Shaddai. From Scripture, I can see that He uses His Names in particular passages to remind us of a particular attribute. Like in Zechariah, God is mainly called the "Lord of Hosts" as a reminder that He is the commander of the heavenly hosts and of Israel's army, when He will lead them into battle against the enemies, particularly in the last days during judgment. Also, they say that calling God "Jehovah" is more personal; but, it occurred to me that for example, when a child calls their parent "Dad" or "Father", it is more intimate than using their proper name.
- In all their studies and reading, the JWs use only publications of the WatchTower Society exclusively. This closes them off from being aware of broader perspectives, challenges to their viewpoints, etc. There is so much literature published by so many organizations and authors that are consistent in their perspectives despite diverse times, places, backgrounds, etc. That should provide some validation; for, if many different publications come to the same interpretation independently of each other, it increases the likelihood that it may be closer to the truth than a viewpoint that is held only by one organization.
- While my first impression is that my contractor is totally "sold out" over his religion, I have to remember that I should not limit what God can do. So, I am continually praying that God will open his eyes to the truth. I was also saddened, knowing that my contractor seems sincere in learning, studying, and doing good; yet, has been blinded to the truth.
- But then, I also see that they seem to place a little too much effort on doing good works. I believe in doing good in order to live out our faith and our love for God. But, they seem to emphasize it as required for their salvation.
- It seemed that all their views during the discussions and studies came from the Society publications, so the "authority" in teaching seemed to be missing; since it came from what others said rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to teach directly
- Similarly, time of prayer really seemed to be missing the presence of the Holy Spirit (which made sense, considering that they do not believe the Holy Spirit is God)
- One thing he kept saying was that the success of the Jehovah's Witness organization globally must show that it was God's work; but, I would challenge that assumption; for, success in and of itself is not an indicator necessarily of God's blessing. For example, there are many passages in Scripture that talk about the wicked prospering. And, even when we look around, we can see many secular organizations being successful
I really need to pray for wisdom to determine whether I should continue the "studies", ask for a different format, or approach this all totally differently. I pray God will reveal to me what is most effective. No matter what, may I speak the truth in Love.
For some reason, I get the sense that my contractor really wants to go through the JW "studies" with me. I don't feel like he's just adding "brownie points" on his do good list. He seems to genuinely want to spend time discussing with me. Even after the "study" itself was over, we continued to spend additional time just talking. In trying to come up with possible reasons why, I wonder if it is because I provide additional points that he may not typically encounter in his other "studies"; and that I may challenge his perspective that other organizations are not as knowledgeable and prepared as his. Maybe he finds it interesting and challenging that I am different from others he has encountered.
7-May: Having finished reading through "WHAT DOES THE BIBLE Really TEACH?", the book used for "studies" with Jehovah's Witnesses, I find that there are so many major doctrinal differences between their beliefs and that of mainstream Christianity. Yet, they associate all organizations besides their own with "Babylon the Great" (i.e. false religions), pg 152.
The main differing perspectives would be in the views of:
There is this semblance of truth, and an appearance of really using Scripture to support all they say. However, I've found that they just quote verses in the midst of their writings, and it is often taken out of context and I often question the interpretation. Also, the NWT is often quite different from other more common translations. For example, John 3:16 apparently uses "exercises faith" rather than "believes" as the means to eternal life.
It is truly only God who can open the eyes of the blind. I can see how utterly devastating can be the effects of false teaching; and I lament the leading astray of those who are sincerely seeking to learn and live "good" lives. I place all things in God's Hands. May the TRUTH be revealed; and may He grant me wisdom and guidance in all I say and do. Amen.
9-May: As I tried to define why the Jehovah's Witness beliefs were so detrimental, it goes back to the question raised about whether the doctrine of the Trinity is essential to salvation and eternal life. The answer would be YES; because John 3:16 says that whoever BELIEVES in Christ has eternal life. And if a person did not believe that Jesus is God, then they do not really KNOW God; and so how can a person believe in God when they don't really KNOW HIM? It would mean they are not believing in the ONE TRUE GOD. Thus, the destructive effect is that there is this group of people who are deceived into believing that they have eternal life when they really do not.
While I was able to steer away from doing the typical JW study of the booklet, I agreed to continue meeting in order to discuss the areas in which our doctrines and perspectives differ. I find that these discussions have actually helped me to firm up my ability to support discussions in these various areas with Scripture. And, I'm hoping it will help me with evangelistic as well as apologetic skills. My prayer is still that God will be at work in his heart and mind; and that the truth will be revealed to him.
It's probably best to just focus on essential doctrine, because these are the ones that actually make a difference in salvation and eternal life:
For some reason, I get the sense that my contractor really wants to go through the JW "studies" with me. I don't feel like he's just adding "brownie points" on his do good list. He seems to genuinely want to spend time discussing with me. Even after the "study" itself was over, we continued to spend additional time just talking. In trying to come up with possible reasons why, I wonder if it is because I provide additional points that he may not typically encounter in his other "studies"; and that I may challenge his perspective that other organizations are not as knowledgeable and prepared as his. Maybe he finds it interesting and challenging that I am different from others he has encountered.
7-May: Having finished reading through "WHAT DOES THE BIBLE Really TEACH?", the book used for "studies" with Jehovah's Witnesses, I find that there are so many major doctrinal differences between their beliefs and that of mainstream Christianity. Yet, they associate all organizations besides their own with "Babylon the Great" (i.e. false religions), pg 152.
The main differing perspectives would be in the views of:
- The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - Not recognizing that Jesus and the Holy Spirit as God changes so much of our fundamental beliefs
- Eternal Life, including Heaven and Earth - They don't believe that man has an eternal soul, so that those who die in sin are just "destroyed" in Gehenna; but, that those who are saved are merely resurrected to a "paradise earth"; and those who "have not heard", has a second chance to "hear" in the End Times
- Resurrection - They believe that Jesus resurrected as a "spirit creature" - this would not explain the 40 day period between the resurrection and ascension when Christ ate food and could show his wounds
- 144,000 - They believe that only those special "Christians" can go to Heaven to reign in the Messianic Kingdom governing body, never mentioning that this 144,000 in Revelation 7 are listed as coming from the tribes of Israel
There is this semblance of truth, and an appearance of really using Scripture to support all they say. However, I've found that they just quote verses in the midst of their writings, and it is often taken out of context and I often question the interpretation. Also, the NWT is often quite different from other more common translations. For example, John 3:16 apparently uses "exercises faith" rather than "believes" as the means to eternal life.
It is truly only God who can open the eyes of the blind. I can see how utterly devastating can be the effects of false teaching; and I lament the leading astray of those who are sincerely seeking to learn and live "good" lives. I place all things in God's Hands. May the TRUTH be revealed; and may He grant me wisdom and guidance in all I say and do. Amen.
9-May: As I tried to define why the Jehovah's Witness beliefs were so detrimental, it goes back to the question raised about whether the doctrine of the Trinity is essential to salvation and eternal life. The answer would be YES; because John 3:16 says that whoever BELIEVES in Christ has eternal life. And if a person did not believe that Jesus is God, then they do not really KNOW God; and so how can a person believe in God when they don't really KNOW HIM? It would mean they are not believing in the ONE TRUE GOD. Thus, the destructive effect is that there is this group of people who are deceived into believing that they have eternal life when they really do not.
While I was able to steer away from doing the typical JW study of the booklet, I agreed to continue meeting in order to discuss the areas in which our doctrines and perspectives differ. I find that these discussions have actually helped me to firm up my ability to support discussions in these various areas with Scripture. And, I'm hoping it will help me with evangelistic as well as apologetic skills. My prayer is still that God will be at work in his heart and mind; and that the truth will be revealed to him.
It's probably best to just focus on essential doctrine, because these are the ones that actually make a difference in salvation and eternal life:
- The Trinity - One God in Essence (i.e. "WHAT" = GOD), manifested in Three Persons (i.e. "WHO" = Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)
- Deity and Humanity of Christ
- Bodily Resurrection (spirit resurrection is not a resurrection, for it was the body that died and needed to be raised up again)
- Man's Sinful Nature
- Salvation by Grace through Faith
- Authority of Scripture
11-May: God revealed to me how I might make use of this knowledge and experience I've gained through time spent in discussions and research about Jehovah's Witness views and doctrines. I can use it to help "equip" people in my class to more effectively witness to JWs. I plan to have a lunch or dinner session in which I provide basic information about the organization, examples of differences in their beliefs, and what to focus on in discussions (e.g.. Salvation and Essential Doctrines). May God use this for His purposes!
12-May: Verses that show Christ as God:
12-May: Verses that show Christ as God:
- John 1:1 - NWT has "a god" claiming there is no definite article; but, THEOS is translated as God throughout the rest of the chapter; and in particular, vs 18 doesn't have the definite article either but was still translated as God (NOTE: Can use John 1:3 to show that He created all things; and thus cannot be created)
- Hebrews 1:8 - The Son is referred to as "O God"; but the NWT changes it to "God is your throne", which really does not make sense
- Romans 9:5 - Clearly refers to Christ as the "eternally blessed God"; but, NWT ends the sentence and starts a new one, making it appear that it is a not clause describing Christ
- Colossians 2:9 - Clearly states that in Christ dwells the fullness of the Godhead; but, NWT only attributes "divine quality"
- Isaiah 9:6 - Says "Mighty God" is a name of Christ
- Revelation 1:7-8 & 17-18; 22:13 - These refer to Christ as the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last
- Titus 2:13 & 2 Peter 1:1 - Both say Jesus Christ is "our great God and Savior"; but, the NWT adds an extra "and of" attempting to show it as two separate; yet, in Titus when talking about the appearing it can only refer to Christ (ref 2 Timothy 1:10)
- 1 John 5:20 - True God and eternal life" refers to Christ
- Hebrews 1:10-12 quotes Psalm 102:25-27 which clear talk about GOD
- John 20:28 - The apostle Thomas calls Jesus "My Lord and my God!"
1-Jun: From my Friendship Evangelism class today, I was able to see that focusing on essential doctrine was not only useful when witnessing to JWs, but is actually a good approach for evangelism in general. Also, the class enforced that it is essential that we believe that Christ was fully man, in order to be the perfect sacrifice after having experience all the temptations common to man; and that He was fully God in order to be able to take on Himself the sins of the world. He was not just some regular man that happened to live a "perfect life" that God just chose to accept as a ransom; He really took our sins and died for them. And He wouldn't have been able to do that if He were not God.
5-Jun: After listening these past couple months about the "works" done by the Jehovah's Witnesses, I get the sense that they think the only real useful work is to go door-to-door and get people into studies. I too understand the importance of getting new believers plugged into church and a study; but, I won't discount all the other ways that God can be at work. In what I have heard, I get the impression that there is a critical judgmental attitude towards what anybody else does outside of their organization. They think that charitable outreach is more of a "feel-good" activity and will focus on the "negative examples" of other organizations. But, I know that we don't do these things just to "feel good" - we really want to show the love and compassion of Christ to others and we want to help the need; but most of all, we want to share the gospel. But, JWs seem to feel a need to dismiss the effective of the work of others; and exalt their own. In trying to understand what might be behind these perspectives, I think that some of it is rooted in their differing view of salvation. To them, it is important to go door-to-door and get people into studies, because those are the activities they feel are required for salvation. However, we can see benefits to having evangelistic outreaches and doing charitable works, because the important thing is that others hear the gospel message and are saved by placing their faith in Christ. Once that occurs, we know that they are in God's Hands. While we will try to get them "plugged-in" at a church, we know that they already belong to HIM and trust that God will be at work. Additionally, because the JWs place so much effort on works, maybe they need to feel validated in the works and so, try to find ways to distinguish their works above all others. But, we know that it is the Holy Spirit that does the really saving work, our role is just to do our part.
I think what may be useful is to ask the JW what they feel is the "gospel" message that they are preaching. This can again lead to the discussion of salvation by faith alone.
My main issue is that while the works, the concept, and getting people into studies are all "good" things, they are missing the most important thing, and that is true faith and knowledge in Jesus Christ. I don't feel the need to validate all the "works" that I do by comparing with others, because I know that I only do those out of love and obedience for Christ, and what really sets me apart is that I am IN CHRIST.
So, Christians emphasize the Gospel message (e.g. 1 Corinth 15:1-3: "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.") . But, when talking to a Jehovah's Witness, I don't hear much about Christ dying for our sins. For them, there is so much more of an emphasis on getting into studies so that their lives can change; BUT, we know that a person can only truly have victory over sin through the power of the Holy Spirit.
28-Jul: On Saturday, everything that I have learned thus far has culminated into the talk I was able to share with my class on witnessing to Jehovah's witnesses. It was well-received and many people mentioned how much they were able to learned. I am encouraged that God was able to use what I have learned in order to help prepare and equip others. Praise God!
15-Aug: At the conclusion of my remodel project, my contractor and I did have another discussion for a couple of hours. I showed him passages on Christ as God; and he said that he would research and get back to me. He indicated that he did want to have additional discussions. I will just be praying that God will be at work in him to open his eyes and mind to the Truth; and that He will use me to be an effective witness for Him.
18-Oct: It turns out that the witnessing to JWs talk I had previously prepared has some legs to keep "walking". I shared the talk at my friend's church fellowship last night. It was again well-received; and one of the people who works with children's ministry mentioned how the essential doctrines would be useful for teaching to the kids. How neat it would be for God to use this to build a stronger foundation with the children in their church.
5-Jun: After listening these past couple months about the "works" done by the Jehovah's Witnesses, I get the sense that they think the only real useful work is to go door-to-door and get people into studies. I too understand the importance of getting new believers plugged into church and a study; but, I won't discount all the other ways that God can be at work. In what I have heard, I get the impression that there is a critical judgmental attitude towards what anybody else does outside of their organization. They think that charitable outreach is more of a "feel-good" activity and will focus on the "negative examples" of other organizations. But, I know that we don't do these things just to "feel good" - we really want to show the love and compassion of Christ to others and we want to help the need; but most of all, we want to share the gospel. But, JWs seem to feel a need to dismiss the effective of the work of others; and exalt their own. In trying to understand what might be behind these perspectives, I think that some of it is rooted in their differing view of salvation. To them, it is important to go door-to-door and get people into studies, because those are the activities they feel are required for salvation. However, we can see benefits to having evangelistic outreaches and doing charitable works, because the important thing is that others hear the gospel message and are saved by placing their faith in Christ. Once that occurs, we know that they are in God's Hands. While we will try to get them "plugged-in" at a church, we know that they already belong to HIM and trust that God will be at work. Additionally, because the JWs place so much effort on works, maybe they need to feel validated in the works and so, try to find ways to distinguish their works above all others. But, we know that it is the Holy Spirit that does the really saving work, our role is just to do our part.
I think what may be useful is to ask the JW what they feel is the "gospel" message that they are preaching. This can again lead to the discussion of salvation by faith alone.
My main issue is that while the works, the concept, and getting people into studies are all "good" things, they are missing the most important thing, and that is true faith and knowledge in Jesus Christ. I don't feel the need to validate all the "works" that I do by comparing with others, because I know that I only do those out of love and obedience for Christ, and what really sets me apart is that I am IN CHRIST.
So, Christians emphasize the Gospel message (e.g. 1 Corinth 15:1-3: "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.") . But, when talking to a Jehovah's Witness, I don't hear much about Christ dying for our sins. For them, there is so much more of an emphasis on getting into studies so that their lives can change; BUT, we know that a person can only truly have victory over sin through the power of the Holy Spirit.
28-Jul: On Saturday, everything that I have learned thus far has culminated into the talk I was able to share with my class on witnessing to Jehovah's witnesses. It was well-received and many people mentioned how much they were able to learned. I am encouraged that God was able to use what I have learned in order to help prepare and equip others. Praise God!
15-Aug: At the conclusion of my remodel project, my contractor and I did have another discussion for a couple of hours. I showed him passages on Christ as God; and he said that he would research and get back to me. He indicated that he did want to have additional discussions. I will just be praying that God will be at work in him to open his eyes and mind to the Truth; and that He will use me to be an effective witness for Him.
18-Oct: It turns out that the witnessing to JWs talk I had previously prepared has some legs to keep "walking". I shared the talk at my friend's church fellowship last night. It was again well-received; and one of the people who works with children's ministry mentioned how the essential doctrines would be useful for teaching to the kids. How neat it would be for God to use this to build a stronger foundation with the children in their church.
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