Considering Joining The Jehovah’s Witnesses?
(Watchtower Bible and Tract Society)
PLEASE READ THIS FIRST
Instructions: Read each point. For each one that you agree is the truth, place a mental checkmark in the box and then read the next point, and so on. Citations are hyperlinked to their sources.
Square 1. The Bible is the Word of God.
“All Scripture is inspired of God”
2 Timothy 3:16 (New World Translation)
“2. Bible. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired message to humans.”
'What Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe?’
“Furthermore, the Bible is “inspired of God.”
'The Bible—A Book From God’’
Square 2. God does not contradict Himself.
“in order that through two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie”
Hebrews 6:18b (NWT)
“For I am Jehovah; I do not change.”
Malachi 3:6a (NWT)
“God is not a mere man who tells lies,
Nor a son of man who changes his mind.
Numbers 23:19a (NWT)
“I will not violate my covenant
Or change what my lips have spoken.”
“God does not contradict himself”
‘Are Science and the Bible Compatible?' - Awake!, February 2011
Square 3. The Watchtower Governing Body claims to be the only divinely inspired channel through which Jehovah communicates His meaning of scripture today.
The article titled ‘Who Is Leading God’s People Today?’ listed below on JW.org states the following:
The governing body then:
- “Christians in the first century recognized that the governing body was directed by Jehovah God through their Leader, Jesus. How could they be sure of this?
- First, holy spirit empowered the governing body.”
- Second, “angels assisted the governing body.”
The governing body in more recent history and today:
- Charles Taze Russel, “used by Jehovah,” stated, “This is not man’s work.”
- “In 1919, three years after Brother Russell’s death, Jesus appointed “the faithful and discreet slave.””
- ““the faithful and discreet slave” is a small group of anointed brothers who make up the Governing Body.”
- “What evidence is there that the Governing Body (today) is filling that role?”
- First, “Evidence of holy spirit. The holy spirit has helped the Governing Body to grasp Scriptural truths not previously understood.”
- Second, “Evidence of angelic assistance.” and “angels are involved.”
So, the Watchtower governing body today operates the same today as back then (Jehovah > Jesus > Holy Spirit > angels > governing body), thus they are claimed to be the only divinely inspired channel through which Jehovah communicates His meaning of scripture today.
'Who Is Leading God’s People Today?’ - The Watchtower—Study Edition | February 2017
Other Watchtower quotes concerning the governing body:
“We need to obey the faithful and discreet slave to have Jehovah’s approval."
'Have You Entered Into God’s Rest?' - The Watchtower—Study Edition (Simplified) | July 2011
“If we are to walk in the light of truth we must recognize not only Jehovah God as our Father but his organization as our mother."
'Show Respect for Jehovah’s Organization’ - Watchtower May 1, 1957
“Jehovah God has also provided his visible organization, his “faithful and discreet slave,” made up of spirit-anointed ones ... Unless we are in touch with this channel of communication that God is using, we will not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we do.”
'The Path of the Righteous Does Keep Getting Brighter’ - Watchtower December 1, 1981
“It is vital that we recognize the faithful slave. Our spiritual health and our relationship with God depend on this channel.”
'Who Really Is the Faithful and Discreet Slave?’ - The Watchtower—Study Edition | July 2013
“All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the “greatly diversified wisdom of God” can become known only through Jehovah’s channel of communication, the faithful and
discreet slave.”
The Bible—A Book Meant to Be Understood’ - The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom—1994
>>> To further see how the Watchtower organization says that love, trust, and loyalty to the Watchtower organization is the same as to Jehovah himself, click here, here and here.
Square 4. The Watchtower Governing Body teaches faith plus works for salvation.
“This means everlasting life… Many have found the second requirement more difficult. It is to obey God’s laws, yes, to conform one’s life to the moral requirements set out in the Bible.”
'You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth—But How?’ - Watchtower 2/15/1983
“Yes, there are various things involved in getting saved. We must take in accurate knowledge of God’s purposes and his way of salvation. Then we must exercise faith in the Chief Agent of salvation, Jesus Christ, and do God’s will the rest of our lives. (John 3:16; Titus 2:14) Salvation is sure for those who follow this course. But it involves persevering right to the end of our present life or of this system of things. Only ‘he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved,’ Matthew 24:13,"
'What We Must Do to Be Saved’ - Watchtower 9/15/1989
Square 5. The Bible teaches salvation by faith alone.
“By this undeserved kindness you have been saved through faith, and this is not of your own doing; rather, it is God’s gift. No, it is not a result of works, so that no one should have grounds for boasting.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NWT)
“For we consider that a man is declared righteous by faith apart from works of law.”
Romans 3:28 (NWT)
“Therefore, no one will be declared righteous before him by works of law, for by law comes the accurate knowledge of sin.”
[ Also ref. Romans 4:3 + Romans 4:5 + Romans 5:1 + Romans 9:30 + Romans 10:9-10 + Romans 11:6 + Galatians 2:16 + Galatians 2:21 + Galatians 3:1-6 + Galatians 5:6 + Philippians 3:9 + 1 Tim 1:16 + John 5:24 + 2 Tim. 1:9 + Titus 3:4-7 ]
Square 6. Final Point.
If the Bible is the Word of God (pt. 1), and God does not contradict Himself (pt. 2), then the Watchtower Governing Body, which claims to also speak for God (pt. 3) discredits itself as the one true religion because it contradicts the Word of God by teaching faith plus works for salvation (pt. 4) when the Bible, which came first, clearly and unmistakenly teaches faith alone for salvation (pt. 5).
[ Also ref. Acts 17:10-11 + 1 Corinthians 4:6 + Isaiah 64:6 + James 2:10 + Galatians 3:10 + 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 + Galatians 1:8-9 + Matthew 7:15, 21-23 + John 6:28-29 + Colossians 2:13-14 + 1 John 5:13 + Matthew 11: 28-30 + Mark 7:13 ]
The Biblical Gospel
God is holy and just, and has set a day in which He will judge the earth in righteousness (Acts 17:31). He will not overlook any sin. How will you do? Here’s a quick test: How many times have you ever lied, stolen, and used God’s name in vain? Jesus said, “Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” If you’ve done these things God sees you as a liar, thief, blasphemer, and adulterer at heart; and the Bible warns that one day God will justly punish you in Hell.
But God lovingly and mercifully provided a way for forgiveness. We’ve broken God’s moral Law, but Jesus, who was sinless, paid the fine on the cross for guilty sinners. This means God can legally dismiss their case: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Then Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death. Make up your mind/heart to turn from sin and to trust Jesus alone and in His righteousness (not your own failed self-righteousness), then God will forgive your sins and grant you eternal life as a free gift. Then read the Bible daily, obey it, and find a Bible-believing church where you can learn and grow as a believer.
For a more comprehensive proclamation of the Biblical Gospel, click here.
If you have any questions or concerns related to this issue, please don't hesitate to email us; we'd be happy to talk with you: elderchuck@mail.com.
For a printable PDF version of this tract, click here.