by When Jehovah’s Witnesses come knocking at your door, they are often well-prepared to discuss their beliefs and challenge mainstream Christian doctrines. As Christians, it is important to be equipped with Scripture and an understanding of the key differences between Protestant Christianity and Jehovah’s Witnesses theology. There are four categories that should be discussed (Scripture, God, Jesus Christ, and the Gospel). Here’s how you can confidently defend your faith and engage in a loving, respectful dialogue:
1. Start with Scripture’s Authority (Sola Scriptura)
Key Point: Protestants believe in Sola Scriptura—that Scripture alone is sufficient for teaching and guidance (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Ask the Jehovah’s Witnesses if they agree that the Bible is the ultimate authority. Once they affirm this, you can point out that Christians believe the Bible is complete, and nothing needs to be added or supplemented (Revelation 22:18-19).
Defense: Jehovah’s Witnesses rely not only on the Bible but also on teachings from the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, which they claim provides continued revelation. Gently ask why they feel they need additional teachings outside of Scripture if the Bible itself is sufficient and complete.
2. Challenge the New World Translation (NWT) of the Bible
Key Point: The New World Translation (NWT) is the Bible used by Jehovah’s Witnesses, but it has been criticized for theological bias. One notable example is their translation of John 1:1, which says “the Word was a god” instead of “the Word was God.” This change is rooted in their belief that Jesus is not divine.
Defense: Point out that this translation violates the rules of Greek grammar (Colwell’s Rule), which supports the traditional rendering of John 1:1 as “the Word was God.” You can ask them why the NWT adds “a god” when the original Greek text does not support this translation. Additionally, mention Colossians 1:16-20, where the NWT adds the word “other” multiple times, suggesting Jesus is a created being. Ask them to explain why words that do not appear in the Greek manuscripts are added.
3. Explain the Doctrine of the Trinity
Key Point: Christianity teaches the doctrine of the Trinity—one God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each is fully God, but there is only one God (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14). Jehovah’s Witnesses reject the Trinity and believe in a Unitarian view of God.
Defense: Share Scriptures that demonstrate the divinity of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. For example:
- Jesus is God: John 1:1, John 10:30 (“I and the Father are one”), and John 14:9 (“Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father”).
- The Holy Spirit is God: Acts 5:3-4 (the Holy Spirit is referred to as God).
Ask the Jehovah’s Witnesses why, if Jesus is not God, He is worshiped in passages like Matthew 28:9 and Revelation 5:12-14, where all creation worships both God and the Lamb (Jesus).
4. Affirm the Divinity and Resurrection of Jesus
Key Point: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus was Michael the Archangel before His earthly life and that He was raised as a spirit, not bodily. In contrast, Christianity teaches that Jesus is fully divine and was resurrected bodily (John 20:27-28, Luke 24:39).
Defense: Point to passages that affirm the bodily resurrection of Jesus, such as John 20:27, where Jesus invites Thomas to touch His wounds, and Luke 24:39, where Jesus states, “A spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” Emphasize the importance of the resurrection to Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:17).
5. Clarify the Gospel of Grace
Key Point: Christianity teaches that salvation is by grace alone, through faith in Jesus Christ, and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Good works are the fruit of salvation, not the cause of it (Titus 3:5).
Defense: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that works, including loyalty to the Watchtower organization and baptism, are necessary for salvation. Ask them how their understanding of salvation aligns with passages like Ephesians 2:8-9, which explicitly state that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by works. Gently ask, “If salvation is by works, can anyone ever be sure they’ve done enough to be saved?”
6. Question Extra-Biblical Revelation
Key Point: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe their Governing Body continues to receive revelations from God, which they view as authoritative. This contradicts the Protestant belief that Scripture is complete (Revelation 22:18-19).
Defense: Ask why extra-biblical revelations are necessary if the Bible is already sufficient for teaching, correcting, and guiding believers (2 Timothy 3:16). Encourage them to reflect on how adding new teachings could distort the original message of the Gospel.
7. Show Love and Respect in the Conversation
Remember, the goal is not to win an argument but to lovingly share the truth. Jehovah’s Witnesses are often deeply committed to their faith, so approach the conversation with patience, humility, and a desire to plant seeds of truth. Pray for God’s wisdom to guide the discussion and for the Holy Spirit to soften their hearts.
8. Timing, Origination, and False Prophecy
Charles Taze Russell, the founder of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in the 1870s, can be seen as someone who disagreed with mainstream Christian doctrines and, like the early church figure Arius, rejected the full divinity of Jesus Christ. Russell’s teachings were rooted in his interpretation of Scripture, which led him to form a new religious movement with distinct beliefs. Initially, Russell focused on predicting the return of Christ, teaching that Jesus had already returned invisibly in 1874 and that the world would end in 1914 with the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth.
However, when 1914 came and went without the expected visible end of the world, Russell’s successor, Joseph Franklin Rutherford, modified these teachings. Rutherford claimed that Jesus had indeed begun ruling in 1914, but His reign was invisible. This doctrinal shift illustrates how the Jehovah’s Witnesses adapted their beliefs over time, even though these beliefs originally stemmed from the personal interpretations of one man. Additionally, like Arius, Russell denied the orthodox Christian view of Jesus as fully divine, aligning his teachings with a form of Unitarianism and establishing a unique system of governance through their Governing Body to maintain authority over their interpretations.
This evolution of beliefs, particularly regarding the timing of Christ’s return and His invisible reign, underscores the contrast between Jehovah’s Witnesses and traditional Christian teachings, which are based on the belief that Jesus will return visibly (Matthew 24:30, Acts 1:11) and that His divine authority has been affirmed from the beginning (John 1:1).
Conclusion:
When defending the Christian faith against Jehovah’s Witnesses, focus on:
- The authority and sufficiency of Scripture (Sola Scriptura).
- The theological bias in the New World Translation.
- The biblical doctrine of the Trinity.
- The divinity and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- The Gospel of grace, not works.
- The finality of God’s revelation in Scripture.
By grounding your defense in Scripture and speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), you can engage Jehovah’s Witnesses in meaningful conversations that point them to the full truth of the Gospel.