Bible - Refuting Jehovah's Witnesses
STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION: This page is not done yet. There are still about 50 more questions and answers left to do.
Trinity: This page does not refer to the Jehovah’s Witnesses denying the Trinity. Refer to the Trinity page for more on that.
Salvation: This page does not refer to the Jehovah’s Witnesses heretic doctrine of salvation. Refer to the Salvation page for more on that.
Hell and the Lake of Fire: This page does not refer to the Jehovah’s Witnesses denying Hell and the Lake of Fire. Refer to the Hell page for more on that.
Q: In Gen 1:2, since the spirit of God was moving over the waters, does this mean the Holy Spirit is not an intelligent, living being, but instead an active force as Jehovah’s Witnesses claim?
A: No. The fact that the Holy Spirit does not have a physical body and can move over the waters does not contradict the fact that Scripture shows the Holy Spirit is a living being with a personality.
The following is a duplicate of the discussion on 1 John 5:6-8.
A witness can be a living being as well as an inanimate object. A common mistake of cults is that since the Holy Spirit has many attributes a human being does not have, therefore (by some stretch of logic) the Holy Spirit cannot have personality. 1 John 5:6-8 shows there are three witnesses to the fact that Jesus had a physical body. The blood refers to His crucifixion, and the Spirit is an inward testimony to Christians. The water refers either to Jesus’ baptism by John, or possibly the water surrounding a baby at birth.
Following are various facts the Bible teaches us about the personality of the Holy Spirit.
Parakletos (the comforter, the one along side us). John 14:16,26, John 15:26
Can know the innermost thoughts of God 1 Corinthians 2:10-11
Speaks to us. Acts 13:2, Hebrews 3:7
Reminds us. John 14:26
Like a parent, so we will not be orphans (orphanos in Greek). John 14:18
Guides us. John 16:13
Teaches us. John 14:26 1 Corinthians 2:13
Lives in us. 1 Cor 3:16, 2 Timothy 1:14, Romans 8:9,11, Ephesians 2:22
In our hearts. 2 Corinthians 1:22 Galatians 4:6
He intercedes for us (inanimate objects do not pray or intercede). Romans 8:26-27
Can be insulted. Hebrews 10:29
Testifies of Christ. John 15:26
Has a mind. Romans 8:27
Can be grieved. Isaiah 63:10, Ephesians 4:30
Makes choices. 1 Corinthians 12:11
Possesses love. Romans 15:30
Can think things are good Acts 15:28
Searches deep things of God 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
Groans (and thus cares) for us Romans 8:26
See When Cultists Ask p.299 and Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse p.21-22 for more info.
Q: Does Gen 2:7 prove that people do not have an immortal soul like Jehovah’s Witnesses say?
A: No. The Hebrew word here "nephesh" means "soul" in some places, and "life" in other places such as this one. How could the believers under the altar in Revelation 6:9-10 be under the altar if they did not have existence after death? See When Cultists Ask p.23-24 for more info.
Q: In Gen 9:4. Lev 7:26-27, Lev 17:11-12, and Dt 12:16,23-25, does the prohibition on eating blood mean people should never have blood transfusions, as Jehovah’s Witnesses teach?
A: No. We should not be cannibals, yet organ transplants are OK. Likewise, people were told not to eat blood, and blood transfusions are OK.
As Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse p.22-23 points out, even the Jehovah’s Witness Watchtower organization did not ban blood transfusions until 1944. In 1967, they also banned organ transplants (Watchtower magazine 12/15/67 p.702-704). Then they changed their mind and allowed them in 1980 (Watchtower magazine 3/15/1980 p.31). They also did not allow vaccinations from 1931 to 1952. See When Cultists Ask p.26-27, 39-40 for more info, and Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse p.22-23 and AnsweringJWs p.48-53 for more extensive discussion.
Q: In Ex 20:4-5, is it OK for Christians to wear and have crosses and other religious art?
A: As reminders it is fine, just as Jews copied scripture as reminders based on Deuteronomy 6:8-9. However, neither crosses, nor scripture, nor anything else is to be worshiped in place of God. See Hard Sayings of the Bible p.145-146 When Cultists Ask p.33-34, 228-229 for more info.
Q: In Ecc 6:6 and Ecc 9:2-3, does everyone really share a common destiny?
A: Under the sun, yes. Ecclesiastes 7:2 says death is the destiny of every man. The scope of Ecclesiastes shows only life on earth, not eternal life.
Q: In Ecc 9:5-6 and Ps 6:5, are people unconscious and non-existent at death, because "the dead know nothing"?
A: Dead people have no memory in this world, not no memory of this world, as Geisler and Howe say in When Critics Ask p.259. This thought is completely consistent with the main thrust of Ecclesiastes, the meaningless of life under the sun.
Actually, the Hebrew word for "know" in Ecclesiastes 9:5-6, "yada", is interesting in that it has a wide range of meaning. Strong’s Concordance says, "a primitive root; to know (properly to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figurative, literal, euphemism, and causat. Instruction, designation, punishment, etc. [as follow]:" acknowledge, acquaintance (acquainted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, etc. Other interesting synonyms in Strong’s Concordance are declare, instruct, tell, and feel.
Of the various words for "know", this word is appropriate here, because "the dead know nothing" in at least four ways.
1. The dead do not ascertain by seeing anything under the sun anymore.
2. Whatever knowledge and experience they may have learned, the knowledge is lost under the sun, for they cannot pass it on.
3. As in verse 5, the (spiritually and physically) dead have no hope and no knowledge of a future state. Even the wicked on this earth can have hope of being saved while they still breathe the air under the sun.
4. The dead know of no reward. As in Job 14:21, the dead have no knowledge of honor or dishonor paid to their memory. They do not know how soon they are forgotten.
Also see Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse p.39-42 and When Cultists Ask p.75-76 and for more info.
Q: In Mt 24:24 how could the elect (people destined for heaven) be deceived?
A: -Quite easily. Elect means both those who are saved, and those who are not yet saved but are going to be saved. A number of Christians are ex-Mormons, ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses, and former members of other spiritual counterfeits.
Q: In Mk 6:21 and Gen 40:20-22, since Herod had John the Baptist kill on Herod’s birthday, and Pharaoh had the chief baker killed on Pharaoh’s birthday, do these verses imply we should not celebrate birthdays, as Jehovah’s Witnesses say in Reasoning from Scriptures p.68-69 (1989)?
A: No. It was Herod and Pharaoh who were evil, and the occasion itself was neither good nor bad. The fact that both of these things happened indoors does not imply we should never be indoors, either.
See When Cultists Ask p.20 for more info.
Q: In Lk 12:32, does the "little flock" refer to an anointed class of 144,000 people as the Jehovah’s Witnesses teach?
A: The Jehovah’s Witnesses teach this, in among other places, in The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991 section 78. There is no mention, here or in Revelation, that Heaven is restricted to 144,000 people. In fact, Jesus is not teaching about any future little flock, rather He is currently addressing the little flock that is currently standing right in front of Him. The little flock here is Jesus’ disciples, including Judas.
See When Cultists Ask p.148-149 for more info.
Q: In Lk 24:39-43, what does this mean for Jehovah’s Witnesses and members of Rev. Moon’s Unification church?
A: They have real problems with this verse, because both groups teach that Jesus was "spiritually raised", meaning that His physical body was still in the grave. Either
1. Jesus was lying and He did not have a physical body here.
2. Since the disciples were slow to believe, Jesus temporarily create a physical body, and passed it off as His (I heard this theory from a Jehovah’s Witness.) In other words, Jesus misrepresented himself to His disciples. If someone accepts this, then they should not take it too seriously that they think Christians misrepresent Jesus as been physically raised from the dead, as Jesus misrepresented this, too.
3. Jesus was telling the truth. Jesus said this because He really did physically rise from the dead.
As for me, I believe Jesus was telling the truth. See When Cultists Ask p.152-154 for a different but complementary answer.
Q: In Jn 1:1, should this be translated as "was divine", "was a God", or "was God"?
A: It should be "was God". Here is a summary of the linguistic evidence.
Not just a god: The same grammar, "theos" without the "ho" in Greek, refers to Jehovah-God in Luke 20:38.
Not just divine: The Complete Book of Bible Answers p.108-109 points out that if John had intended merely to say that Jesus was divine, John could have used the adjective "theios". However, John emphasized that Jesus is actually God.
The word was God:
It must be mentioned that modern linguistic study is not the strongest evidence available to show that John 1:1 meant that the Word was God. There is another approach. What if we could ask Christians who were the native speakers of New Testament Greek what John 1:1 meant? We can do so. See the next question for the answers, though you probably will not like their answers if you are a Jehovah’s Witness.
Q: In Jn 1:1, what did the early church teach about this verse and the Word being God?
A: It is insightful to hear what modern scholars, 2000 years later, say the Greek meant. However, what is more interesting what church leaders who lived 1700-1800 years ago, many of whom spoke New Testament Greek since they were babies, interpreted what John 1:1, in their own language, meant to them.
Justin Martyr (110/114-165 A.D.)
"for when we give out some word, we beget the word; yet not by abscission, so as to lessen the word [which remains] in us, when we give it out; and just as we see also happening in the case of a fire, which is not lessened when it has kindled [another], but remains the same;... The Word of Wisdom, who is Himself this God begotten of the Father of all things, and Word, and Wisdom, and Power, and the Glory of the Begetter, will bear evidence to me..." Dialogue with Trypho ch. 61.
Theophilus bishop of Antioch (115-181 A.D.)
""For the divine writing itself teaches us that Adam said that he had heard the voice. But what else is this voice but the Word of God, who is also His Son? Letter to Autolycus 2:22
Tertullian (200-220/240 A.D.)
"The Word, therefore, is both always in the Father, as He says, ‘I am in the Father;’ and is always with God, according to what is written, ‘And the Word was with God;’ and never separate from the Father, or other than the Father, since ‘I and the Father are one.’" Against Praxeus chapter 8.
Irenaeus (120-202 A.D.)
"But that He [Jesus] is Himself in His own right, beyond all men who ever lived, God, and Lord, and King Eternal, and the Incarnate Word, proclaimed by all the prophets, the apostles, and by the Spirit Himself, may be seen by all who have obtained to even a small portion of the truth." (Irenaeus Against Heresies 3:19:2).
"Know thou that every man is either empty or full. For if he has not the Holy Spirit, he has no knowledge of the Creator; he has not received Jesus Christ the life; he knows not the Father who is in heaven;..." (Against Heresies 3:16)
"She [the church] also believes these points [of doctrine] just as if she had but one soul.... For the churches which have been planted in Germany do not believe or hand down anything different nor do those in Spain nor those in Gaul, nor those in the East nor those in Egypt nor those in Libya, nor ..."
Hippolytus (225-236 A.D.) after quoting part of John 1:1
"If, then the Word was with God and was also God what follows? Would one say that he speaks of two Gods? I shall not indeed speak of two Gods but of one; of two Persons however and of a third economy (disposition), viz., the grace of the Holy Ghost. For the Father indeed is One but there are two Persons because there is also the Son; and then there is the third the Holy Spirit. The Father decrees, the Word executes and the Son is manifested, through whom the Father is believed on. The economy of the harmony is led back to one God; for God is One. It is the Father who commands and the Son who obeys and the Holy Spirit who gives understanding; the Father is above all, and the Son who is through all and the Holy Spirit who is in all. And we cannot otherwise think of one God, but by believing in truth in Father and Son and Holy Spirit." Against the Heresy of One Noetus chapter 14.
Q: In Jn 1:1, is it true that the doctrine that Jesus was God in human form was not finalized until after 300 A.D.?
A: No. Karen Armstrong categorically stated this in A History of God p.81. The church fathers quoted in the previous question certainly did not think the doctrine of Jesus in human form needed any finalizing. Thomas the apostle did not need any council when he said to Jesus in John 20:28, "My Lord and My God!" Ignatius, who was a disciple of John the apostle, was fond of saying that "Jesus is God".
While it is true that Gnostics were heretics who had very strange views of God, they were never accepted as Christians by Orthodox Christians. Regardless, even they accepted Jesus was God, though in a very different and strange sense.
Arians were another heretical group that were condemned at the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D.. They had a "low" opinion of Jesus, believing there was a time when He was not, and that Jesus was of a different substance than the Father. However, even they agreed that Jesus was God; it was that they wrongly believed Jesus was not of the same nature as the Father.
I suppose that is a shortcoming of creeds, such as the Nicean Creed. The Nicean Creed clearly and correctly spells out both the doctrine of Jesus’ divinity and His being of the same nature as the Father, but by having the creed, some will think that the doctrine of Jesus’ divinity was not finalized until then.
Q: In Jn 1:1, how could the Word both be God and with God?
A: In the same way as the Son could be both God and have a God in Hebrews 1:8,9. Besides referring to false gods, the word "God" has at least four meanings with respect to the true God. "God" can mean just the Father, just the Son, just the Spirit, or the three in Trinity.
Here is what the church father Hippolytus (225-236 A.D.) said in Against the Heresy of One Noetus chapter 14, says "If, then the Word was with God and was also God what follows? I shall not indeed speak of two Gods but of one; of two Persons however and of a third economy (disposition), viz., the grace of the Holy Ghost. For the Father indeed is One but there are two Persons because there is also the son; and then there is the third the Holy Spirit."
Q: In Jn 1:1, how could God be incarnated as a man?
A: On one hand the answer is simple: God Almighty can appear however He wishes. On the other hand, this is a profound miracle. Melito the philosopher (160-170-177 A.D.) pondered the mystery of the incarnation in his Discourse on the Cross
"On these accounts He came to us; on these accounts, though He was incorporeal, He formed for Himself a body after our fashion, appearing as a sheep, yet still remaining the Shepherd; being esteemed a servant, yet not renouncing the Sonship; being carried [in the womb] of Mary, yet arrayed in [the nature of] His Father; treading upon the earth, yet filling heaven; appearing as an infant, yet not discarding the eternity of His nature; being invested with a body, yet not circumscribing the unmixed simplicity of His Godhead; being esteemed poor, yet not divested of His riches; needing sustenance inasmuch as He was man, yet not ceasing to feed the entire world inasmuch as He is God; putting on the likeness of a servant, yet not impairing the likeness of His Father."
Q: In Jn 1:1, how else do we know that Jesus is God?
A: 1001 Bible Questions Answered p.27 says this is proven by seven points.
1. All Old Testament names for God are merged into Jesus Christ.
2. Jesus received human worship. Either He was wrong to do so, or else He was correct to do so.
3. Jesus forgave sins against God.
4. Jesus showed omnipotent power.
5. Jesus showed omniscience (perhaps he did not have this on earth prior to his resurrection though.)
6. Jesus asserted omnipresence.
7. The New Testament says that Jesus is God, and is to be honored as the Father.
See Hard Sayings of the Bible p.490-492 for more on John 1:1 and the Trinity.
Q: In Jn 1:1, was this concept of an eternal word borrowed from Greek philosophy?
A: There is no evidence for this. It is conceded that the Greek philosopher Plato did write of an eternal word "logos" prior to John’s Gospel, but there is no evidence that John borrowed from this.
Rather than John borrowing from Greek philosophy, even a secular person could make a much case that the concept of a powerful and living Word was borrowed from Old Testament thought, such as Genesis 1:1 in Hebrew.
The Wycliffe Bible Dictionary p.441 says that the Dead Sea scrolls that the Gospel of John, rather than being a second century Hellenistic document, "is shown more clearly than eve to be a product of 1st century Palestine by virtue of its many parallels with the Qumran tests."
Q: In Jn 1:1, was there a time before Jesus existed?
A: Most likely not. Ancient Arian heretics thought this, but Orthodox Christians more or less unanimously said that Jesus was begotten of the Father before time began. One exception to this was the early church father Justin Martyr (110/114-165 A.D.) However, even though JW’s appeal to Justin Martyr to try to support their beliefs, their appeal is deceptive. In his Dialogue with Trypho, Justin devotes thirteen chapters (55-56,59,61-64,66,74-78) to prove that Jesus is God.
The Bible does not conclusively answer many questions about what it was like before time began. (Even if it did, would we understand the answers?) Titus 1:2 says that God promised eternal life "before the beginning of time". All things were created through Christ (Colossians 1:16; John 1:3). If all things include time (an assumption here), then Jesus existed before there was time.
See 1001 Bible Questions Answered p.27-28 for more on their not being a time before Jesus existed.
Q: In Jn 5:23, how are we to honor the Son just as we honor the Father who sent Him?
A: We honor him in the following ways.
1. We worship Jesus, as angels do in Revelation and Hebrews 1:6.
2. We pray to Jesus, as Stephen did in Acts 7:59.
3. We call Jesus God as it says in Hebrews 1:8,9.
4. We call Jesus "my God" as Thomas did in John 20:28.
Following these verses of the Bible is one of the key things that separates the cults of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Way, and other cults on one side, from both modern and early Christians on the other side. Here is what the early Christians said.
Hilary (367 A.D.) remarked on John 5:23, "Since unless things are of the same nature they are never accorded equal honor, and equality of honor does not bring about a separation in those who are being honored. But the mystery of the birth demands equality of honor."
Justin Martyr (110/114-165 A.D.) said in his Dialogue with Trypho: "Therefore these words testify explicitly that He [Jesus] is witnessed to by Him [the Father] who established these things, as deserving to be worshipped as God and as Christ." (chapter 63).
Ignatius, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Novatian, Hippolytus, and others also spoke on the honor of Jesus being God.
Q: In Jn 10:16, who are the other sheep to which Jesus is referring?
A: Jesus is referring to Gentiles (non-Jews). It does not refer only to people of the New World as Mormons teach. It does not refer to all who believe and are not of the Jehovah’s Witness 144,000 as Jehovah’s Witnesses teach. See The Complete Book of Bible Answers p.57-58, When Cultists Ask p.175-176 and Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse p.78-79 for more extensive answers.
Q: In Jn 20:17, since Jesus called the Father "my God", does that prove that Jesus is not God?
A: No. The word "God", when it does not refer to a false god, has at least four meanings in the Bible: God the Father, God the Son, God the Spirit, and God in Trinity. In addition to the three beings all being one God, the Father also had the role of God to Jesus.
See the discussion on Matthew 28:19, Ephesians 1:3,17, and especially John 13:3 for more info. See the Complete Book of Bible Answers p.110 for a different, but complementary answer.
Q: In Jn 20:19, if Jesus had a physical body after the resurrection, how did Jesus get into closed rooms?
A: Even before His death, Jesus could miraculously pass through a crowd (Luke 4:28-30). Even Philip was miraculously transported in Acts 8:29-30. But now, Jesus had a glorified physical body. On one hand, Jesus had the power to go through locked doors. On the other hand, He could sit and eat fish. His glorified body was not "less" than our physical body in any way, but it was "more" than our physical body, as His glorified physical body did not suffer pain, decay, or death.
See The Complete Book of Bible Answers p.136 and When Critics Ask p.422-423 for more info.
Q: In Jn 20:25, what does this say about Jesus being nailed to a cross?
A: Jehovah’s Witnesses say Jesus was nailed to a "torture stake", which they claim was a wooden pole with no crosspiece. They show pictures with just one big nail holding Jesus’ hands. The Greek, and even the Jehovah’s Witnesses own New World Translation says the word "nails" (plural), so it was more than one nail. See also Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse p.82-83 for more info.
Q: In Jn 20:28, did Thomas call Jesus God?
A: Unlike what Jehovah’s Witnesses might say, Thomas certainly did. Notice that the verse is not "Thomas said, My Lord and my God!", but "Thomas said to him, My Lord and my God!" Notice that the verse does not say "Oh Lord", like Thomas was looking up to Heaven and saying this. Rather, Thomas said to him, My Lord and my God!" Furthermore, Jesus neither rebuked nor corrected Thomas for saying this.
Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse p.84 also points out that in their own Kingdom Interlinear (1985) Bible, under the Greek it correctly says, "The Lord of men and the God of me"
Q: In Acts 2:4, does the Holy spirit filling people prove the Holy Spirit cannot be a person, as Jehovah’s Witnesses teach?
A: No. If that logic were valid, then if God fills the Heavens and the earth as Jeremiah 23:24 says, then God is not a personal god. The fact that the Holy Spirit can do things we cannot do, and the fact that God is infinite, do not restrict Him from also being an intelligent being with thoughts and feelings. As When Cultists Ask p.194-195 points out, Ephesians 4:30 says Christ fills all things, so by the same faulty logic, is Christ not a person either?
While the previous paragraph shows that nothing restricts the Holy Spirit from being a person, the following list shows that the Holy Spirit has the attributes of a person. By person we do not mean a human being, but an intelligent, personal being.
Parakletos (the comforter, the one along side us)
John 14:16,26, John 15:26
Speaks to us Acts 13:2, Heb 3:7
Reminds us John 14:26
Like a parent, so we will not be John 14:18
orphans (orphanos in Greek)
Guides us John 16:13
Teaches us John 14:26 1 Cor 2:13
Lives in us 1 Cor 3:16, 2 Tim 1:14
Rom 8:9,11, Eph 2:22
In our hearts 2 Cor 1:22 Gal 4:6
We live by the Spirit Gal 5:16,25
Led by the Spirit Gal 5:18 Rom 8:9
He intercedes for us Rom 8:26-27
Can be insulted Heb 10:29
Testifies of Christ John 15:26
Has a mind Rom 8:27
Can be grieved Is 63:10, Eph 4:30
Chooses who to give gifts 1 Cor 12:11
Possesses love Rom 15:30
Can think things are good Acts 15:28
Searches deep things of God 1 Cor 2:9-10
God in us 1 John 4:12-13,15-16, Rom 8:9-10,
1 Cor 3:16, 6:19, John 14:23, 15:4
With us always Matt 28:20
Groans (and thus cares) for us Rom 8:26
Gives joy 1 Thess 1:6
See Haley’s Alleged Discrepancies of the Bible p.139-141 for an extensive discussion.
Q: In Rom 8:9-11,14-15, can someone be a genuine Christian and not have the Holy Spirit living inside them?
A: These verses say no. Once a Jehovah’s Witness asserted to me that she did not have the Holy Spirit living inside of her, as Jehovah’s Witnesses typically teach that only the 144,000 have the Holy Spirit inside of them.. I showed her Romans 8:9-11, and she was almost in tears. While I would like to tell you that she then wanted to become a Christian and have the Holy Spirit inside of her, that is not what happened. Next week, she came back to my office and told me, that she guessed the Holy Spirit was inside her after all.
See also Today’s Handbook for Solving Bible Difficulties p.349-350 for more info.
Q: In Rom 10:13, must one specifically call upon the name "Jehovah" to be saved, as Jehovah’s Witnesses teach?
A: One must call upon the real and living God. The ancient Israelites themselves did not have the word "Jehovah", as they did not have the "J" sound. So for the lack of a "J" sound, all of the saints in the Old Testament did not worship the true God? Of course, that is silly.
See When Cultists Ask p.220 for more info.
Q: Does 1 Cor 1:10 show that obedient Christians are to be divided by having independent thinking, as JW’s teach?
A: No. Two examples of Paul tolerating independent thinking are Philippians 3:15 and Romans 14:1-10. Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse p.92-94 points out that JWs are commanded to "Avoid independent thinking … questioning the counsel that is provided by God’s visible organization," and to "Fight against independent thinking" (Watchtower magazine 1/15/1983 p.22,27.)
For Mormons, the Mormon prophet Ezra Taft Benson, when he was a Mormon apostle, said, "When the prophet speaks, the thinking is done."
Q: Does 1 Cor 8:6 teach Jesus is not Almighty God, as Jehovah’s Witnesses claim?
A: No. In this verse, the word "God" refers to God the Father, but JW’s would have to ignore all the other verses that says that Jesus is God, such as John 20:28-29 and John 8:58. They would have to deny that there are at least two senses of the word God, contradicting Hebrews 1:8 and Hebrews 1:9. They would have to refuse to honor the Son as they honor the Father, contradicting John 5:23 says.
Jehovah’s Witnesses try to make a distinction between "Almighty God" (the Father) and "Mighty God", whom they say is the son. While within the Trinity there is a distinction between the three, since God is Almighty, there are either separate gods, as JW’s are implying, or there is only One God, and God is Almighty. See When Cultists Ask p.228 for more info.
Q: Since 1 Cor 10:14, says to flee from idolatry should Christians not wear crosses as Jehovah’s Witnesses say?
A: No. See the discussion on Exodus 20:4-5 for the answer.
Q: In 1 Cor 11:3, since the word "God" has two meanings in the Bible, is it true that we can call Jesus "god", as in a great an powerful person (1 Cor 8:5; John 10:35-36), but not call him "God" as the one True God (Dt 6:4; 1 Cor 8:6; 1 Cor 11:3)?
A: Multiple meanings of the word "god" do not prove there are only two meanings: there are actually at least three. The widest sense is a perceived powerful being, a so-called god as in 1 Corinthians 8:5 and John 10:35. The narrowest is God the Father (Colossians 1:3 and Ephesians 1:3). The middle meaning of Jesus (and the Holy Spirit) is in John 1:1, 20:28-29 and other verses. Jesus Himself shows He is God in more than the widest meaning in John 10:36 and John 5:22-23. If Jesus only meant He was God in the sense of John 10:35, why did He say John 10:36?
Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse p.96-97 cogently points out that if JW’s would like "one God" in 1 Corinthians 8:6 to prove only the Father and not Jesus is God, then they would have to believe that "one Lord" in the same verse means that Jesus is our Lord and God the Father is not.
Q: Since 1 Cor 14:33 says God is not a God of disorder or confusion, does this verse prove thus prove the Trinity is false as Jehovah’s Witnesses claim in their booklet, Should You Believe in the Trinity (1989) p.4)?
A: Not hardly. Jesus coming to earth could not be comprehended by the Pharisees, not because they were not intelligent enough, but the Messiah coming to them could fit into their theology or plans.
Jehovah’s Witnesses almost universally say the Trinity is false. Mormons generally say so, though I have met a few that say the Trinity is true. With Jehovah’s Witnesses and both types of Mormons though, the issue has not been as much denying the Trinity as not even understanding what the Trinity really is. See the discussion on Matthew 28:19 for a seven point succinct summary of what God has revealed in the Bible about the Trinity.
There are mysterious aspects to the true God are great, as Paul pointed out in 1 Timothy 3:16. In fact, in the same book Jehovah’s Witnesses grab this verse from Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 says that people without God’s spirit will not understand God’s wisdom. While it is not confusing to true believers who have been instructed, one can see how Jehovah’s Witnesses could call their lack of understanding on this confusion.
See When Cultists Ask p.231-232 and The Complete Book of Bible Answers p.66-67 for more info.
Q: In Gal 6:14 and 1 Cor 1:17-2:2, are we to glory in the cross? Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Muslims believe it is wrong to do so.
A: Since our religion is to be the same as the apostles, we should do so. Paul would have made a very poor Mormon or Jehovah’s Witness. For that matter, so would Thomas who called Jesus "my Lord and my God" in John 20:28. So would Stephen who prayed to Jesus in Acts 7:59. So would John, who saw with his own eyes people and angels praising and glorifying Jesus in Heaven in Revelation 5:8-14; 7:9-10. To top it all off, Jesus said all are to honor the Son just as they honor the Father, in John 5:23.
Q: In Col 1:15-18 and Heb 1:6, if Jesus is uncreated and not a creature, then how is Jesus "the firstborn of every creature?
A: The Greek word here "prototokos" means the pre-eminent one. We are brothers and sisters of Christ, but Christ is the pre-eminent firstborn.
In Bible times, firstborn did not only mean the first one born, but the inheritance and birthright of the firstborn. Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse p.97-98 points out that as an example of "firstborn" not meaning the first one born, Psalm 89:27 says David will be appointed as his firstborn, even though David was the last-born of Jesse.
As When Critics Ask p.485 says, Christ is not the firstborn in Creation, but the firstborn over Creation. Christ is not the first one to be born on earth (Old Testament people preceded him) but Christ is the firstborn of the resurrection and as the heir of all.
This question was answered by Athanasius back around 330 A.D. He said that since Christ is both the Only-Begotten as well as firstborn, these refer to different senses of Christ. After differentiating between "created" and "born", Athanasius shows that Only-Begotten refers to Jesus being from the Father, while firstborn refers to both his preeminence over humanity and his preeminence among all who are born again. For the full text of Athanasius’ detailed argument, see Four Discourses Against the Arians Discourse II ch.21 section 57-60.
See The Complete Book of Bible Answers p.111-112, 1001 Bible Questions Answered p.25, and Hard Sayings of the Bible p.651-653 for more info.
Q: In Col 1:22, as part of the ransom, did Christ permanently give up having a physical body, as Jehovah’s Witnesses, Rev. Moon, and other heretics teach?
A: No. Reconciling us by the death of Christ’s physical body does not mean Christ did not get the body back again in His resurrection. If you believe Jesus, then you agree that Jesus’ body was raised because of the following verses.
1. In John 2:19-22, "Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days.’ … But the temple he had spoken of was his body."
2. In John 20:25-29, when Jesus told Thomas to place his finger and hands on him, either
2a) Jesus was "pulling a trick on Thomas", in other words, deceiving Thomas, or
2b) This really was Jesus’ physical body.
3. In Luke 24:37 Jesus said, "Look at my hands and feet. It is myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."
The apostles taught us about what they experience firsthand, about what they saw and even touched themselves (1 John 1:1-4). If you are a part of a religion that denies what both Jesus and his apostles said on this, you need to decide whether to follow the god of your religion, or whether to follow the God of Jesus and the apostles. I hope you choose well.
Q: In 2 Tim 3:16-17, is it really true that the Bible contains what is needed for Christian doctrine?
A: Yes. Here is one statement from an unlikely source. The Watchtower magazine 8/15/1981 p.28-29 says, "They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such ‘Bible reading,’ they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom’s clergy were teaching 100 years ago…"
Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse p.98-100 points out that the Watchtower Society admits that JW’s who read the Bible alone stop believing in Watchtower teachings and return to the teachings of Christian churches. "Whose doctrines, then, are the ones that are truly based on the Bible?"
Q: Does Tt 2:13 teach that Jesus is God?
A: Yes. Though the Greek is ambiguous, the content is clear. Grammatically, the Greek sentence could be paraphrased loosely in two ways:
1. the appearing of two: 1) our great God, and 2) our Savior, Jesus Christ. (two beings)
2. the appearing of one being: our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. (one being)
However, if it were the first way, when is God the Father going to appear at Christ’s Second Coming? Since all agree it is Jesus and not the Father that appears at Christ’s Second Coming, the original meaning was the second way and not the first. This is an important point to share with Jehovah’s witnesses.
Q: In Heb 1:6, is Jesus just to be worshipped, or does the Greek word mean the angels just "did obesiance" to here as some JWs teach?
A: Proskuneo argument for worshipping Jesus: English words for worship are used 76 times in the New Testament (KJV). (I guess it is because believers did a lot of worshipping.) The Greek word "proskuneo" is used all but 16 times.
P1. Among others, the four heavenly creatures "proskuneo" God in Revelation 19:4.
P2. Never "proskuneo" another. Satan asked Jesus to "proskuneo" him in Matthew 4:9. Jesus answered to "proskuneo" only God in Matthew 4:10. The angel in Revelation 19:10 said to worship only God. All people who "proskuneo" the beast in Revelation 14:9 will suffer for that.
P3. When Jesus quoted the old Testament in Matthew 4:10 and Luke 4:8, He used the word "proskuneo".
P4. The angels "proskuneo" Jesus in Hebrews 1:6
P5. Many people "proskuneo" Jesus, including the disciples before Christ’s resurrection (Matthew 14:33), the wise men (Matthew 2:2), a leper (Matthew 8:2), a ruler (Matthew 9:18), the disciples after Christ’s resurrection (Matthew 28:9,17; Luke 24:52) the Gerasene demoniac (Mark 5:6), the Roman soldiers in mockery (Mark 15:19)
P - Summary: What the angels of Heaven do, what the disciples and others did, and what even the Roman soldiers did in mockery, it is proper for the followers of Jesus to do in sincerity.
However, the word "proskuneo" is also used for those of the synagogue of Satan falling at the feet of people of the church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3:9. It can be argued that "proskuneo" might mean simply falling on their knees before someone in Matthew 15:25; 18:26; and 20:20.
Though "proskuneo" can sometimes just mean kneeling, it is the dominant word for worship. To top it all off, even in the Jehovah’s Witnessses own New World Translation it translated "proskuneo" in Hebrews 1:6 as worship. According to Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse p.100-101, this was true in the 1953, 1960, 1961, and 1970 versions of the New World Translation. The Watchtower changed this to "do obesiance" starting with the 1971 revision.
If you think the way Christians "proskuneo" Jesus is improper, how do you "proskuneo" Jesus?
As a Jehovah’s Witness lady told me, at the end of a long discussion, that she would bow before Jesus if He was here today, but since He was not, that is why she did not "proskuneo" Him. I could see her point, if Jesus was never present to her. However, in Matthew 18:20 Jesus said that where two or three are gathered together in His name, there He is in the midst of them. So when we are together, we should "proskuneo" Jesus. Furthermore, Romans 8:9-10 shows, all who belong to Christ have the spirit of Christ inside of them.
Nevertheless, as strong as the "proskuneo" argument is, we are just getting started with arguments showing that Jesus is God and worthy of worship. See also the "Thomas" argument in the discussion on John 20:24-29, the "honor" argument in the discussion on John 5:23, the "worship" argument in the discussion on Revelation 5:9-14 among others. See When Cultists Ask p.284 for additional points on the "proskuneo" and other arguments.
Q: In Heb 2:6, since Jesus is the "firstborn" of God, is Jesus is a created being? We are not supposed to worship created beings as Rom 1:25 says.
A: The father/son relationship is meaningful to our understanding of the term "firstborn". Two points to consider in the answer.
1. Consider this analogy. Do people "beget" children, or do they buy them created at Sears? The Only-Begotten Son's divine nature is no more created by the Father than people "create" children.
2. The Son's humanity was created by God, and we call Him firstborn as both first in rank and first resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:20). It is wrong to use the term (firstborn), to deceive people to deny that in regards to the first truth: Jesus is not just the firstborn, He is the "Only-Begotten" (John 3:16).
Q: In 2 Pet 3:16, what are some examples of twisting Scripture?
A: Here are a few examples of obvious scripture twisting.
Rev. Moon, who denies Christ literally appearing in the clouds, interprets all such references as clouds being groups of people, since Hebrews 12:1 saying we [not Jesus] are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses [not just cloud].
Jehovah’s Witnesses, who deny consciousness after death, interpret in Luke 16:19-31, the suffering of rich man who ignored Lazarus, merely as "the Pharisee class feeling shamed by the faithful servant class".
Mormons, who believe that God is a glorified man, sometimes interpret Numbers 23:19: "God is not a man that He should lie" (KJV) as "God is not the kind of man that He should lie.
These three interpretations, strange as they are, are very "logical". The logic is thus: Since the plain meaning of God’s word goes against their theology, they must substitute another meaning for the plain meaning.
Some symptoms of scripture twisting are
1) If you require the verse to have a "deeper meaning" that goes contrary to the plain meaning everyone would understand that the author intended. If this was tolerated, then every verse that commands or says something a person does not like, just might have an alleged "real meaning" contrary to what God plainly is saying.
2) You are required to say that the Greek or Hebrew has a particular meaning that no native speaker of Greek or Hebrew would recognize.
3) If the meaning you want to give a scripture goes against other scriptures and the general tone of the rest of the Bible.
4) if you are more concerned with explaining away a scripture than explaining a scripture. In contrast, it is better if your theology not only explains [away] a scripture, but requires the truth of that scripture.
5) In the extreme, your interpretation means that God kept hidden from every believer for almost 2,000 years a special, secret meaning that he has now revealed to you.
Even genuine Christians unknowingly can twist Scripture on occasion.
James Sire has an excellent book on this subject called simply, Scripture Twisting (IVP).
Q: Does 1 Jn 5:6-8 mean that since the Holy spirit is a witness along with water and blood, the Holy Spirit is not a living being?
A: No. A witness can be a living being as well as an inanimate object. A common mistake of cults is that since the Holy Spirit has many attributes a human being does not have, therefore (by some stretch of logic) the Holy Spirit cannot have personality. 1 John 5:6-8 shows there are three witnesses to the fact that Jesus had a physical body. The blood refers to His crucifixion, and the Spirit is an inward testimony to Christians. The water refers either to Jesus’ baptism by John, or possibly the water surrounding a baby at birth.
Following are various facts the Bible teaches us about the personality of the Holy Spirit.
Parakletos (the comforter, the one along side us). John 14:16,26, John 15:26
Can know the innermost thoughts of God 1 Corinthians 2:10-11
Speaks to us. Acts 13:2, Hebrews 3:7
Reminds us. John 14:26
Like a parent, so we will not be orphans (orphanos in Greek). John 14:18
Guides us. John 16:13
Teaches us. John 14:26 1 Corinthians 2:13
Lives in us. 1 Cor 3:16, 2 Timothy 1:14, Romans 8:9,11, Ephesians 2:22
In our hearts. 2 Corinthians 1:22 Galatians 4:6
He intercedes for us (inanimate objects do not pray or intercede). Romans 8:26-27
Can be insulted. Hebrews 10:29
Testifies of Christ. John 15:26
Has a mind. Romans 8:27
Can be grieved. Isaiah 63:10, Ephesians 4:30
Makes choices. 1 Corinthians 12:11
Possesses love. Romans 15:30
Can think things are good. Acts 15:28
Searches deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
Groans (and thus cares) for us. Romans 8:26
See When Cultists Ask p.299 and Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse p.21-22 for more info.
Q: In Rev 1:4,8,11,17, is it the Father or the son who is the Alpha and Omega, who was and is and is to come, the first and the last?
A: These two titles, as well as many others, are shared by the Father and the Son. For another example of a shared title, see John 8:58 for another example. Ambrose of Milan (c.378 A.D.) in his work, Of the Holy Spirit Book 1 chapter 13, wrote more on the sharing of the divine names. See The Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers 2nd Series p.110-111 for more info.
Q: In Rev 1:5, how is Jesus the firstborn of the dead?
A: See the discussion on Colossians 1:15 and Hebrews 2:6 for the answer.
Q: In Rev 1:7 and Acts 1:7, is it "incomprehensible" that Jesus would literally return in the clouds as Rev. Moon claims?
A: No. Here is what the cult leader Rev. Moon wrote: "Consequently, the most important matter of all is the viewpoint from which one interprets the Bible.... since it is absolutely incomprehensible to the intellect of modern men that the Lord would come on the clouds, it is necessary for us to consider the Bible in detail a second time..." Divine Principle p.500.
It is no more incomprehensible than Jesus leaving in the clouds in Acts 1:7. Perhaps one of the root problems of many in the Unification Church is a lack of faith in God’s ways, and a gullibility to follow someone else’s ways. See also the next question.
Q: In Rev 1:7, how can "every eye" see Jesus coming back in the clouds?
A: In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, skeptics used to use this verse to show the Bible was wrong, because it was impossible for every eye to see Jesus, given that the world was round. That was before the invention of TV.
Of course, even without TV, if Jesus came to earth in a circular path, or if Jesus came in a straight path and took more than 24 hours, every eye could still see Jesus. See When Cultists Ask p.304 fore more info on Revelation 1:7.
Q: In Rev 1:7, how could even those who pierced Jesus see him, since they had died long ago?
A: First what the cult leader Rev. Moon says from the Divine Principle (fifth ed. 1977), and then the answer.
Rev. Moon says that the Roman soldiers you crucified Jesus could not see him, since the Roman soldiers were not resurrected yet. Since the "ones who pierced him" will not really see him, we should interpret this verse as a parable. Since the ones who pierced him is only symbolic, Christ returning in the clouds is symbolic too. (Divine Principle p.513). The clouds really represent groups of people, and Christ returned is really Rev. Moon from Korea.
There are two different ways those who pierced him could see Jesus returning.
1. What could stop God, who is Almighty, from letting people in Hell glimpse Jesus returning to earth? Since John 5:28-29 says all, even the dead will hear Jesus when He comes forth, then there is no problem with all, even the dead, seeing Jesus, too.
2. Jesus did not die just for the Roman soldiers and Jews of that time. He died for all of us, and in this sense, we all pierced him, too.
Q: In Rev 1:7, will Jesus’ return be invisible as Jehovah’s Witnesses teach?
A: Revelation 1:7 could not be more plain: "every eye will see him". Furthermore, Acts 1:10-12 says that Jesus will return the way he ascended to Heaven. They visibly saw Jesus ascend into Heaven. See When Cultists Ask p.304 for more info.
Q: In Rev 1:8, is the "Alpha and Omega" Jesus?
A: Yes, contrary to what Jehovah’s Witnesses say. According the Jehovah Witness theology, only the Father is "Almighty" God, and Jesus is "Might god", and "the Almighty" is mentioned here. However, there is a problem with their theology, because it is clearly Jesus for three reasons.
1. It was Jesus, not God the Father, who was pierced,
2. It is Jesus who is coming in Revelation 1:8
3. The person speaking is the Alpha and Omega in Revelation 22:12-13, and that person is Jesus in Revelation 22:20.
Also, the meaning of "Alpha and Omega" is similar to "first and last", which is a title of Jesus in Revelation 1:17-18 and 2:8.
See When Cultists Ask p.304-305 for more info, and Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse p.101-103 for a sample dialog useful in talking with Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Q: In Rev 1:10 is the "Lord’s Day" Saturday or Sunday here?
A: It was most likely Sunday, because "the Lord’s Day" would be the day Jesus rose from the dead. Some Christians disagree and feel this was the Sabbath (Saturday).
For a non-Christian perspective, Asimov (p.1194) discusses both, but he claims it is probably Saturday, because Sunday was not considered special until "the early decades of the fourth century." However, Asimov apparently missed the fact that Paul instructed the Corinthians about the regular collection for God’s people that was to be taken on the first day of the week in 1 Corinthians 16:2. Why would he instruct that if they did not already have a special assembly on the first day of the week? Paul never told them to gather together for the offering, presumably because they already were gathered together on the first day of the week.
Q: In Rev 3:14 (KJV and NKJV), since Christ is the "beginning of God’s Creation", does this show Christ is a created being?
A: No. The Greek word here (arche), is the word from which the English language gets its prefix "arch". "Arche" means head, or ruler, as well as beginning. Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse p.103-104 and When Cultists Ask p.305 mention that the word architect is derived from Arche; as such, Jesus is the architect of all Creation.
While all of Creation had its beginning and Creation through Christ, the primary thought here is that Christ existed before Creation and has sovereignty over Creation, as The Bible Knowledge Commentary : New Testament p.941 says.
Q: In Rev 5:8-13, is this worship of Christ?
A: Yes. This is an excellent verse to show the worship of Christ. Please notice the following.
1. They fell down before the Lamb. (5:8)
2. They were doing this act with the prayers of the saints. (5:8)
3. They praised the Lamb as worthy. (5:9)
4. Then the angels praised the Lamb as worthy. (5:12)
5. The angels sang that the Lamb was worthy to receive many things, including honor and glory and praise. (5:12)
6. Then every living creature said to both the Father and the Lamb "be praise and honor and glory and power…" (5:13 NIV).
7. The four living creatures said "Amen" to all that.
8. Finally when the elders fell down and worshipped in 5:14, they were apparently worshipping the ones they were praising in 5:8-12).
This is in sharp contrast to Mormon Apostle Bruce McConkie, who said it was wrong to worship Jesus. (McConkie said this in Our Relationship with the Lord, an address at Brigham Young University). This is also in sharp contrast to Jehovah’s Witnesses, who believe you could "honor Jesus, sort of like many people pledge allegiance to the flag of their country", but not worship Him.
Q: In Rev 7:3-8 and Rev 14:1-5, could the 144,000 be a select class of believers, as Jehovah’s Witnesses teach (Reasoning From Scriptures 1989 p.76)?
A: The 144,000 are said to be men (not women) from the twelve tribes of Israel. While these verses do not use the word "males", it is clearly males because Revelation 14:4 says they "did not defile themselves with women".
Heaven is for all who believe in Jesus (Ephesians 2:19; Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 3:1; 12:22).
The Complete Book of Bible Answers p.60-61 adds, "What about the Watchtower [JW] contention that the tribes mentioned in Revelation 7 cannot be literal tribes of Israel? One must first point out that the very fact that specific tribes are mentioned along with specific numbers for those tribes removes all possibility that this is a figure of speech. Nowhere else in the Bible does a reference to 12 tribes of Israel mean anything but 12 tribes of Israel." When Cultists Ask p.307-308 points out that while the word "tribes" is used frequently in Scripture, it is never used for anything except literal tribes.
Some have the view that 144,000 refers to all Christians. When Critics Ask p.553-554 mentions this view and shows why this is incorrect. Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse p.104-106 adds that if the 12,000 was just a symbolic number, then their sum, 144,000, must also be a symbolic number. If so, what in the world is 144,000 a symbol of? (Most JW’s I know of agree the 144,000 is a literal number, though.)
Q: In Rev 7:9-17, who are the great multitude?
A: These are some other believers besides the 144,000. The great multitude are those who have come out of the great tribulation. The phrase "made their robes white in the blood of the lamb, has the meaning of believers who are killed as martyrs for their faith.
It is important to note that the great multitude stand before the throne of God in Revelation 7:9. Also, Revelation 19:1 clearly says they are "in Heaven", contrary to what the Watchtower teaches (Watchtower magazine 2/1/82 p.26. Watchtower magazine 3/1/1985 p.14 also discusses the JW’s view of the great multitude. See Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse p.106-110 for more info.
