Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their courtesy, their seriousness about the Bible and their willingness to talk about God with anyone. Many of them have knocked on our doors, and many of us have closed them too quickly. This article is written with respect, for Witnesses and for anyone who wants to understand the conversation fairly. Its question is the one Jesus asked his disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15, ESV).
What we share
We share a deep respect for the Bible as God's Word, a love for God's name, a belief that Jesus died as a ransom for sinners, and a longing for the day when God will make all things new. We thank God for the sincerity and discipline we see in so many Witnesses.
Where we differ, and why it matters
We describe each difference as the Watch Tower Society itself teaches it, and then we ask what the Bible says.
1. Who Jesus is
Jehovah's Witness teaching holds that Jesus is a created being, the first creature God made, and that he is the archangel Michael. The New World Translation renders John 1:1 as "the Word was a god." We believe the Bible presents Jesus as fully God. John 1:1 says "the Word was God," and then continues: "All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3, ESV). A created being cannot be the one through whom everything was created.
The rest of the New Testament says the same. Thomas worships Jesus: "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28, ESV). Jesus claims the divine name for himself: "Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58, ESV), and his hearers understood exactly what he meant. Paul calls him "our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13, ESV) and says "in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" (Colossians 2:9, ESV). The angels are told to worship him (Hebrews 1:6), yet angels themselves refuse worship (Revelation 22:8-9). Jesus is not an angel.
2. The Holy Spirit
Witness teaching describes the Holy Spirit as God's active force and not as a person. We believe the Bible presents the Spirit as a divine Person who teaches, speaks, grieves and can be lied to. When Ananias lied to the Spirit, Peter said "you have not lied to man but to God" (Acts 5:3-4, ESV).
3. The name of God
We honour Witnesses' love for God's name, "Jehovah" (the Hebrew Yahweh, rendered "the LORD" in most English Bibles). We also notice that the New Testament applies Old Testament passages about the LORD to Jesus (compare Joel 2:32 with Romans 10:9-13).
4. Assurance and salvation
Witness teaching holds that salvation depends on faithful association with the organisation and on continuing works, and that only a limited number will reign with Christ in heaven. We believe the Bible offers a sure hope to every believer: "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life" (John 3:36, ESV), and "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1, ESV). Salvation is a gift of grace, received by faith and not earned (Ephesians 2:8-9). This is why Article 11 and Westminster chapter 11 say what they do.
What Jesus says
"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6, ESV). Jesus invites everyone to come to him directly: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, ESV).
Questions to sit with
If you are a Jehovah's Witness reading this, we invite you to read John 1, Colossians 1 and Hebrews 1 slowly, and to ask: who does the text say Jesus is? You are welcome to compare several translations, and to ask the same question of the Greek text itself. You do not have to take our word for it. Look at the Bible, and look at Christ.
If you are a Christian reading this, be gracious when a Witness comes to your door. Listen first, ask questions, and speak "with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15, ESV).
