what are the basic beliefs of jehovah witnesses?

Salvation is described as a free gift from God, but is said to be unattainable without good works that are prompted by faith. [91] Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Archangel Michael, "the Word" of John 1:1, and wisdom personified in Proverbs 8 refer to Jesus in his pre-human existence and that he resumed these identities after his ascension to heaven following his death and resurrection. ANSWER: At first glance, the beliefs of the Jehovah's Witnesses are not much different than those of orthodox, mainstream Christianity. They don’t believe in hell. "Building Disciples Having the Quality of Endurance". 12:11). Though they state that their numbers are growing, there is no proof of this claim. Jesus was just a prophet like Moses and Abraham. "What Is the Bible’s View? However, they have also purchased townhouse complexes, and large commercial properties. "Jehovah’s Theocratic Organization Today", Testimony by Fred Franz, Transcript, Lord Strachan vs. Douglas Walsh, 1954. p. 123, as reproduced in R. Franz. [38][39][40][41] Members who promote privately developed teachings contrary to those of the Governing Body may be expelled and shunned. Some members may donate privately, however they are strongly urged to give their money directly to the Watchtower Society. You must not belong to another church at the time you make a decision to become baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness. Question: "Who are the Jehovah’s Witnesses and what are their beliefs?" Satan persuaded Adam and Eve to obey him rather than God, raising the issue—often referred to as a "controversy"—of whether people, having been granted free will, would obey God under both temptation and persecution. The rest of saved humanity will live forever on a restored earth. The issue is said to be whether God can rightfully claim to be sovereign of the universe. Yes. Your free email subscription to our Facts on Jehovah's Witnesses provides: INFORMATION: Discover the secret doctrines that the Watchtower hides from people investigating the Jehovah's Witness religion. Jehovah’s Witnesses, regardless of their divergence from more mainstream doctrines, are the Christian faith. (Psalm 83:18; Revelation 4: 11) He is the God of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. [145] They believe that most of those are already in heaven, and that the "remnant" at Revelation 12:17 (KJV) refers to those remaining alive on earth who will be immediately resurrected to heaven when they die or during the Great Tribulation. If a tragedy strikes such as a weather related disaster, JWs will support other JW victims. Question: Does the Jehovah’s Witness history reveal a string of false prophesies, or is this just a rumor? [74] They believe that the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) contain prophecy that was fulfilled in Jesus Christ,[75] and that the books of the Christian Greek Scriptures (New Testament) are primarily directed to the 144,000 chosen by God for life in heaven. I Was Disowned By My … Yet it is critical to understand the vast differences between their beliefs and what the Bible teaches. Jehovah's Witnesses is a millenarian restorationist Christian denomination with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from mainstream Christianity. The works prove faith is genuine. Long after a Jehovah Witness leaves their religion, they remain firmly attached to the beliefs of the organization, until they understand how mind control works. "Appreciate Jesus’ Unique Role in God’s Purpose", pages 13-14. Question: What do the Jehovah’s Witnesses do with the donations? © 2020 | DOCTRINES OF FAITH | The basic doctrine of theocratic war says that it's proper to withhold incriminating information and … These include literacy classes, Pioneer Service School, School for Kingdom Evangelizers and Gilead School. Throughout the world an army of persistent enthusiasts tramp from door to door, urging people to adopt their teachings as a matter of life and death. [67] Based on their interpretation of Revelation 18:2-24, Jehovah's Witnesses believe all other religions are part of "Babylon the Great", a "world empire of false religion" under the control of Satan; consequently, they refuse all ecumenical relations with other religious denominations. Did Jesus say there are many roads leading to salvation? [122], Witnesses regard the soul as mortal, based on the statement at Ezekiel 18:4 that "the soul that sins, it shall die" (MKJV)[123] and thus believe the soul does not continue to live after one dies. Hence, they launched a campaign with various strategies to try to gain more attention through a more “modern” image. Jehovah's Witnesses are directed by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, a group of … The Jehovah's Witnesses differ strongly from mainstream Christianity in their beliefs on death and the afterlife. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus did not die on a cross but on single stake. Let’s examine some of the beliefs, which are peculiar to the Jehovah’s Witnesses. [150] Only those claiming to be anointed partake of the unleavened bread and wine at the yearly commemoration of Christ's death, or Memorial. This date is said to also mark when the Last Days began. In their booklet entitled Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Twentieth Century, for example, may be found a chart titled “What Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe.” This chart list beliefs and the supposed scriptural authority for them. [194] Other identifying behavior is said to include deviation from the truth, twisted, empty speech, hypocrisy and involvement in deeper forms of ungodliness. … [157] They assert that the Greek word parousia (translated in most English Bible translations as coming when referring to Christ) is more accurately rendered presence, perceived only by a composite "sign". There are no Jehovah’s Witness holidays. [131], Witnesses teach that wicked angels (demons) sometimes pretend to be spirits of the dead, and that their deception is the basis for many beliefs about ghosts. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe God is the Creator and Supreme Being. "[21], Watch Tower Society literature states that Jesus' use of the term "other sheep" at John 10:16 indicates a separate class with an earthly hope. They believe in God, the creator, and that Jesus Christ is His son. [77] The Holy Spirit is described as God's "active force", rather than the third part of the Trinity. Consider why faith in Jesus is essential for true Christians. [197], Apostates are said to have become part of the antichrist and are regarded as more reprehensible than non-Witnesses. They do not encourage donating outside of the Jehovah’s Witness Headquarters’ funds. God. [156], Watch Tower Society publications teach that Jesus Christ began to rule in heaven invisibly as king in October 1914. [175] The Society's publications make no explicit claim about whether small children or the mentally ill will survive, but say God's judgment will be righteous and merciful. For example, Jehovah's Witnesses believe in one God, the authority of the Bible (i.e. They view God as the Father, an invisible spirit “person” separate from the Son, Jesus Christ. According to Witness beliefs, Jehovah is God’s personal name, which appears 7,000 times in the Old Testament. (1) Bible: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God, and instead of adhering to a creed based on human tradition, they hold to the Bible as the standard for all their beliefs. Witnesses reject the Trinity doctrine, which they consider unscriptural. [76] The Watch Tower Society's New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—the main translation used by Jehovah's Witnesses—renders the name of God as Jehovah, rather than .mw-parser-output span.smallcaps{font-variant:small-caps}.mw-parser-output span.smallcaps-smaller{font-size:85%}God or LORD as found in English translations such as the King James Version. Why do people stay? Police are not required by law to be contacted, because they do not fall under “mandatory reporters” in most states. 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. [37] Watch Tower Society publications strongly discourage Witnesses from formulating doctrines and "private ideas" reached through independent Bible research. Question: Do Jehovah’s Witnesses think they are a cult? They believe God is "infinite, but approachable"; he is not omnipresent, but has a location in heaven; it is possible to have a personal relationship with him as a friend; he is kind and merciful, and w… Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that only 144,000 people will go to heaven, to be with God and Jesus. Jehovah’s Witnesses hold the most accurate translation of the Bible. Your free email subscription to our Facts on Jehovah's Witnesses provides: INFORMATION: Discover the secret doctrines that the Watchtower … They reject the concept of universal salvation[134] and the concept of predestination. [168][169][170] 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. Browse our top recommended bibles and enjoy unsurpassed education from today's top scholars of the Reformed Faith. They believe that only 144,000 people are going to make it into heaven. If one violates the rules of the church,  they are advised that they may die in Armageddon if they don’t repent and return to the Kingdom Hall and prove they’re sorry. Christians believe that those who do good go to heaven after death for an eternal happy life. If they return to the Kingdom Hall, other members will not speak to them unless or until it is known the the accused party has been reinstated as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. See Jehovah’s Witnesses False Prophesies – List of Dates. [188] Watch Tower publications define three different types of defection. 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. Question: Does mainstream Christianity, including pastors and ministers, typically believe that Jehovah’s Witnesses are a cult? [189] They believe the congregation must “maintain God’s favor in order to be used by him and to represent him” or else the whole congregation would lose God’s approval. They affirm that God—Jehovah—is the most high. [186] They believe coerced worship is unacceptable to God. Subscribe to Our Facts on Jehovah's Witnesses. [87] 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. 8:27), 2. emotions (Eph. They will be given the opportunity to join Jesus' "other sheep" and live forever on a paradise earth. They view first century Christianity as their model. [121] The kingdom is said to have been the focus of Jesus' ministry. Discussion on prayer and how to pray more effectively. 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. [187] However, Jehovah's Witness doctrines provide no method for members to terminate membership and remain in good standing. "Directing Interest to the Organization", harvnb error: multiple targets (2×): CITEREFPenton1997 (. [78][79] They view God as the Father, an invisible spirit "person" separate from the Son, Jesus Christ. Answer: The sect known today as the Jehovah’s Witnesses started out in Pennsylvania in 1870 as a Bible class led by Charles Taze Russell.Russell named his group the “Millennial Dawn Bible Study,” and those who followed him were called “Bible students.” They believe in God, the creator, and that Jesus Christ is His son. God. Question: Are donations made to Jehovah’s Witness tax deductible? 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. The following are 20 more dark teachings, practices, beliefs, and lifestyle choices that will make you love the Jehovah's Witnesses even more. and i need to know the basic beliefs and pretty much anything else!! There is a historical basis for the December 25th date of Christ’s birth. They also claim to be in dire need of additional Kingdom Halls, however there is proof that during this claim, they were purchasing real estate, unbeknownst to members who believed their money was going to Kingdom Halls. In short, they want you to join their religion. [9][10] All members of the denomination are expected to take an active part in preaching. Obedience. A summary by a Governing Body committee of "wrong teachings" being promoted as "new understandings" included the suggestion that God did not have an organization on earth. The remaining ones will enjoy a paradise on earth. The Holy Spirit is seen as not a person, but Jehovah's force of action. [152] Those who die without faithfully serving God will receive the "resurrection of the ... unrighteous" ("unjust" KJV). [63] Watch Tower publications claim both the Great Apostasy and Russell's subsequent "restoration" of original Christianity[64] were a fulfilment of Jesus' parable of the wheat and the weeds at Matthew 13:24-30,36-43. [70] Jehovah's Witnesses consider the Bible to be scientifically and historically accurate and reliable[71] and interpret much of it literally, while also accepting it contains much symbolism. - Matthew 24:14. Those with an earthly hope are said to be beneficiaries of that covenant. In this article, I want to discuss 10 beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses that they wont tell you up front. Jehovah Witnesses Beliefs QUESTION: What are the Jehovah Witnesses beliefs? Bible. Subscribe to Our Facts on Jehovah's Witnesses. Beliefs. They recently purchased multiple pieces of real estate for their own use, for Kingdom Halls. [191] Watch Tower Society directs that both disassociated and disfellowshipped members are to be shunned by other Witnesses, including close relatives, with no social or religious contact and no greeting given. —Exodus 3:6; 32:11; John 20:17. . Jesus? Question: "Who are the Jehovah’s Witnesses and what are their beliefs?" Jehovah’s Witnesses are also known as the “Watchtower Society” or “Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.” They were officially founded back in 1884 and were initially called the “Zion’s Watchtower and Tract Society.” They did not officially adopt the name of Jehovah’s Witnesses until 1931. [193] Sociologist Andrew Holden claims his research indicated many Witnesses who would otherwise defect because of disillusionment with the organization and its teachings remain affiliated out of fear of being shunned and losing contact with friends and family members. [210] Author James Penton's major study of the Witnesses, Apocalypse Delayed, noted that of those Witnesses who do progress to university, 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". However, they do not believe in the Trinity, the doctrine that God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit are all aspects of one God. They are afraid to question Jehovah's wisdom as explained by the organization because they are told they belong to … Jehovah’s Witnesses, regardless of their divergence from more mainstream doctrines, are the Christian faith. [141][142] Watch Tower Society publications state that salvation at Armageddon is also contingent on baptism, accurate knowledge of Bible truth, adherence to God's standards of conduct and morality, use of the divine name "Jehovah" in worship,[143] membership of God's "organization",[6] and active support of anointed Christians. Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe in Jesus? Other teachings of theirs are considered heretical, blasphemous and legalist. 14 pp. [80] They believe God is "infinite, but approachable"; he is not omnipresent, but has a location in heaven;[81] it is possible to have a personal relationship with him as a friend;[82] he is kind and merciful, and would not eternally "torture" wicked people. God, or Jehovah, is a singular being. This judgment will begin with the destruction by the United Nations of false religion, which they identify as "Babylon the Great", or the "harlot", of Revelation 17. 1. Jesus is Jehovah's created son through whom Jehovah created everything else. They believe his spirit, not his body, was resurrected, and that God is greater than Jesus. [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,[31] however, the Governing Body also disclaims infallibility and divine inspiration. They actually believe that most of the 144,000 out of their group are already in heaven. See laws in your state for specific details for your area. What can Jehovah Witnesses […] This is based on a scripture in the bible, which was taken out of context by Watchtower Society. Get a summary of 15 of our basic beliefs. [89] He is described as God's first creation and the "exact representation of God",[90] but is believed to be a separate entity and not part of a Trinity. ! `` Witness to all nations required to 'speak in agreement ' and defend all doctrines even when they doubts... 195 ] they believe in God, the independent, September 27, 2011 distance themselves from the Book Revelation... 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And how to treat individuals accused of crimes personal doctrinal views that deviate from official teachings is also regarded more. Police if they are the only people who will be based on a restored earth the Spirit Searches into Millennium! Witnesses say that God ’ s Witnesses want when they come knocking to a. Do you Appreciate Jehovah ’ s birth who choose to publicly repudiate their association to the organization and renounce place. The accused is at fault, they want you to join their religion subscribe to this blog receive... 15 of our basic beliefs and policies Armageddon and other investments can be to. As becoming inactive, one as becoming disassociated, and Jesus the Watchtower Society encourage promote! 'Speak in agreement ' and defend all doctrines even when they have the one true Almighty... 144,000 out of context by Watchtower Society [ 173 ] this will mark the beginning the! Article, I want to say I am just wanting to follow this specific.... Covenant with you for a Kingdom ’: “ spiritual Sons—How do they know preaching 55! The Scriptures say about 'the Divinity of Christ '? with family through extreme.... Jehovah created everything else 9 ] [ 98 ] even as king in October 1914 Does it Mean to?! Not given special treatment by other congregation members from orthodox Christianity sincere, so studious and so.! Force in the world What all the rumours and mistakes that have been advised that you share these with.

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