The Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that the earth will be restored to a paradise in the future. On this “paradise earth,” most faithful Jehovah’s Witnesses will experience life as they believe Jehovah originally intended it; free from death, suffering, and sadness. However, Jehovah’s Witnesses also believe that an “anointed class” of 144,000 will live forever in … More Is “Paradise Earth” a Biblical Teaching?
“From the time of the apostle John and on into the Lord’s day, anointed Christians were puzzled as to the identity of the great crowd. It is fitting, then, that one of the 24 elders, representing anointed ones already in heaven, should stir John’s thinking by raising a pertinent question. “And in response one of … More Does the Watchtower communicate with the dead?
The Jehovah’s Witnesses Bible, The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, contains the Divine Name “Jehovah” in 237 places in the Christian Scriptures. The Jehovah’s Witnesses have several reasons for choosing these renderings [1]. But is it justifiable for the Jehovah’s Witnesses to do so? Does this practice present any problems for our confidence … More Is there anything wrong with including “Jehovah” in the Christian Scriptures?
The Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in a “two class” theology whereby only 144,000 will reign in heaven for eternity. The rest of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, or the “great crowd,” will reside on a paradise earth. The focus of this article will deal with the Watchtower’s belief that none of the saints mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures … More Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the Kingdom of Heaven
*** w89 4/15 pp. 6-7 par. 8 The Infamous Harlot—Her Fall *** 8 For some 40 years the Bible Students boldly proclaimed that the year 1914 would mark the end of the Gentile Times. As expected, that year brought world-shaking events, not the least of these being the first world war. One has to wonder how the Watchtower can portray their own history in this light. But … More What was expected to happen in 1914?
One JW apologist thinks this applies to a non-profit printing organization located in Brooklyn, NY. This is consistent with what the Watchtower themselves have stated: *** w92 11/15 p. 21 Serve Jehovah Loyally *** Nowhere Else to Go 12 We will be impelled to serve Jehovah loyally with his organization if we remember that there is nowhere else to go for life eternal. When Jesus’ statements caused ‘many disciples to go off to the things behind,’ he asked his apostles: “You do not want to go also, do you?” Peter replied: “Lord, … More Who does John 6:68 apply to?
(Revelation 7:4) 4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel: According to the Watchtower, the 144,000 are a literal group of “anointed” Christians who will go to heaven to rule and reign with Christ. They believe that the … More Not measurable and numbered, yet measurable and numbered
This post will be reviewing an article written by the Watchtower titled, “Do all faithful Christians go to heaven?” While it is common for the Watchtower to mention their so-called “two-class system,” it is not all that common for a full article to be written on the subject. While there is nothing new here, it … More Do all faithful Christians go to heaven?
To those who are not one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, consider what it would be like if your pastor reminded their the congregation that they are to submit to his counsel and exhortations. But to make this more comparative to Jehovah’s Witnesses, consider if your pastor did this every other Sunday. What would your congregation think … More The Governing Body and self-promotion
In light of all of my recent posts to which some have commented, I have yet to respond. Please consider the previous post where I explained my reasons for this. Once I finish editing and posting all the pre-written articles that I plan to post, then I’ll do my best to address some of the … More To my commenters
In this post, i’d like to offer some commentary on a Watchtower article that explains their self-proclaimed “overeagerness” as it relates to the predicting of “the time of the end.” But more importantly, i’d like to display a balanced view of how followers of Christ should seek God’s Kingdom as it relates to Christ parousia. *** w84 12/1 p. 17 par. 12 Keep Ready! *** When the … More “Keep on the Watch!”…by proclaiming false dates for the end?
First, the Watchtower is very clear that the Hebrew patriarchs (specifically Moses and Elijah for this argument) are never going to heaven, but will spend eternity on this earth: *** w74 5/15 p. 298 The Purpose of the Transfiguration *** However, the occurrence was a vision, Moses and Elijah being only visionary. (Matt. 17:9) For … More Seeing the Kingdom of Heaven on earth
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” -Matthew 28:18 Jesus’ words are clear and unmistakably with reference to his rule and reign at the time in which these words were spoken. In fact, His words speak to his having “all authority” as something he already possessed. How then, could the Watchtower view … More Matthew 28:18 and 1914
For those who are unfamiliar with the ecclesiastical structure (i.e. church hierarchy) of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the top of the chain is not the apostles, for they do not believe that the apostolic office is for today (nor do I). Nor is it the elders of the local congregations. If its neither of these, who … More Where is the Governing Body?
Consider this quote from the August 15, 2010 Watchtower Study Edition, p. 30: 12 Under the rule of the Greater Solomon, Jesus Christ, “the righteous one will sprout,” that is, flourish or prosper. (Ps. 72:7) Christ’s love and tender care will then be abundant, just as they were when he was on the earth. In God’s … More Is the Watchtower teaching universalism?
*** g96 2/8 p. 6 To Trust or Not to Trust *** What can you do? The Bible gives some good advice on this matter. “Anyone inexperienced puts faith in every word,” says Proverbs 14:15. This is not destructive cynicism. It is a realistic reminder of the need for caution. Only a very naive, inexperienced person … More Should we accept everything we hear from the Watchtower?
Some of you have already taken notice of a recent flurry of posts within the past couple of days. In fact, a few comments have been posted, which are most welcome! These posts will continue fairly rapidly when I have time. What I’m doing is taking old articles from my old blogger site and re-posting … More Quick update
One of the things I have learned in witnessing to Jehovah’s Witnesses is the necessity of providing a positive presentation of your beliefs. The reason being, you can spend hours explaining the false predictions of the Watchtower to a JW, but the response will often be, “So what? Where else am I going to go? … More Where shall we turn if this isn’t the true organization?
According to the Watchtower, correctly understanding the 70 year prophecy, as mentioned in several places in Scripture, is crucial to understand the date for when Jerusalem was destroyed. According to The Watchtower, Jerusalem fell in 607. If Jerusalem didn’t fall in 607, then the chronology falls apart and 1914 is no longer true. Therefore, if … More Did the 70 years end in 539 B.C.E. or 537?
The Watchtower has long argued that Jesus’ kingship began in 1914, almost two thousand years after he had ascended into heaven. *** w08 2/15 p. 21 par. 3 Christ’s Presence—What Does It Mean to You? *** What of the “presence” that the apostles asked about? This is the translation of the Greek word pa·rou·si′a. Christ’s … More Was Jesus exalted as King in 33 C.E. or 1914?
*** w59 5/1 p. 269 pars. 6-7 Attain Completeness in the New World Society *** The whole body under the direction of the head moves and acts as a beautifully co-ordinated unit, perfectly organized. In the same way Christ, the Head, employs the organization that is his body to carry out his assigned work. His … More Believe it because we say it?
In the April 15, 2010 Watchtower, there is an article titled, “Holy Spirit’s Role in the Outworking of Jehovah’s Purpose.” In this article, a change was made in a teaching of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. To illustrate the significance of this doctrine, open up your Watchtower library and type in “this generation.” Then, come to your … More The change of “this generation”…again
The next time a Jehovah’s Witness tells you, “stop being so critical of our beliefs!” or “all you seem to do is hate on us!” or “you should spend more time preaching the kingdom of God instead of trying to expose us!” then share with them the following quote: *** w92 7/15 p. 12 Christ … More Do you hate false religion? Then show it!
NOT ACCORDING TO THE WATCHTOWER: *** w63 11/15 p. 688 par. 3 Execution of Divine Judgment upon False Religion *** Can there be false religion? It is not a form of religious persecution for anyone to say and to show that another religion is false. It is not religious persecution for an informed person to … More Is it wrong to expose the Jehovah’s Witnesses as a false religion?
There is no doubt that the Watchtower was a bit confused as to whether or not 1975 would be the end. Nevertheless, they said what they said: *** Awake! October 8 1968 pp. 14-15 *** 6,000 Years Nearing Completion […] The fact that fifty-four years of the period called the ‘last days’ have already gone … More Did the Watchtower claim that 1975 would be the end?
In this episode, I reviewed a recording that took place between a JW who supposedly works at the Watchtower headquarters and a Christian who is questioning the JW belief of the relationship between the anointed class and Jesus as the mediator. Downloadable link HERE
In the November 15, 2012 Watchtower Study Edition on p. 17 par. 9, A humble person has heartfelt gratitude for Jehovah’s provisions, including spiritual food. Hence, such an individual is a diligent student of the Bible and an avid reader of the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Like many other faithful servants of Jehovah, he may … More Reading the Bible or Watchtower publications? Offering a small corrective.
First, did a few personal updates and then answered an email and voicemail. Downloadable link HERE
Quoted from p. 15 of the October 15, 2012 Watchtower Study Edition: 12 Differences of viewpoint can become a source of irritation in the congregation—even among the overseers. The Bible’s counsel can help us in this regard: “In showing honor to one another take the lead” and, “Do not become dis- creet in your own … More How a faithful JW is to approach their leaders with a disagreement
This is the 2nd part of my debate with Jehovah’s Witness Fred Torres. Whether you are a JW or not, I would really appreciate your help in sending out questions to Chris to challenge myself and my JW opponent. I have a feeling there won’t be many JW questions submitted, so feel free to play … More 2nd part of the Debate is up!
MJF APOLOGETICS 