Jehovah’s Witness Evangelism Part 2
Notes
Transcript
Handout
We have been learning about different cults that have grown throughout the 19th and 20th century. Most of these are popular cults that more often than not, have grown to a large extent and now we see people who participate in them everywhere.
Who are the Russellites?
Hint: They are also known as the Millennial Dawnists.
Jehovah’s Witness.
Who founded the Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Charles Taze Russell.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses were founded in the 1870s by Russell.
If you read the JW.org website they will state that he was only the leader of a bible study dedicated to uncovering the truth of the scriptures and that Jesus is the original founder.
Originally they were known as the Millennial Dawnists or Russellites after Charles Russell.
They would not be known by the name ‘Jehovah’s Witness’ until 1931.
Dictionary of Theological Terms Russellites
In 1931 the name “Jehovah’s Witnesses” was coined to distinguish the main body of the cult from a breakaway group.
Let’s talk more about Charles Taze Russell a bit more.
He was a lay preacher who held to many of the Adventist doctrines, which typically has a heavy emphasis on the end times and the impending doom about to come upon humanity.
He was a former Congregationalist and early leader of the YMCA.
Congregationalism is a form of Protestantism in the Reformed tradition whose main tenant is the independence and autonomy of the individual church body. The church members are given the power of government over their congregation rather than church officers. Also: Congregational Church; Congregationalist.
This differs in how Grace operates where there is a Deacon board who does handle some of the churches needs and affairs. However, all major decisions do fall on the church.
He became fascinated with end times prophecy and the Great Tribulation and the book of Revelation.
Russell was an unprincipled man. He lied under oath in court when asked if he knew Greek.
He was summoned for fraud against his wife and she divorced him.
He was charged with selling “miracle wheat” at an exorbitant price and of inducing sick people to sign over their fortunes to his organization.
He did this while he berated the church for being in business for money.
While he was ‘pastor’ of the cult he was more unprincipled and dangerous. He claimed to be such a great bible teacher that it would be better for readers to read his notes on scripture rather than read the scriptures themselves.
Russell was never ordained a minister.
He rejected the view of the trinity and taught instead that Christ was an archangel.
What are some of Russells claims?
The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church Jehovah’s Witnesses
His main claim was that Jesus Christ, a perfect man, had returned invisibly to earth in 1874 in order to prepare for the Kingdom of God which was expected to materialize after the Battle of Armageddon in 1914. The overriding responsibility of believers was to study the Bible and to warn as many people as possible about the impending ‘end time’ so that they might survive on earth, in turn, a First Judgement, Christ’s millennial reign on earth, and a Second Judgement.
How many people do the Jehovah’s Witnesses believe will receive eternal life and enter into heaven?
144,000.
Since this has been an issue they have since revised this number several times or the interpretation of the number.
What year is it now?
2024. 110 years after 1914.
What is a common occurrence in cults?
False predictions.
What is the first question you should ask a Jehovah’s Witness?
Why do you believe Jehovah’s Witness to be true? ‘
They will probably say some arbitrary thing about the teachings of the bible. Most will probably not know what else to say regarding the matter.
Ask them about their testimony.
Russellites operated on the idea that reason was their foundation for which
Dictionary of Theological Terms Russellite Dogma
“we have endeavoured to build … the teachings of scripture in such a manner that, so far as possible, purely human judgment may try its squares and angles” (Rutherford). “Let us examine the character of the writings claimed as inspired, to see whether their teachings correspond with the character we have reasonably imputed to God” (Rutherford).
Because of this they will change scripture translations in arbitrary ways to bring it inline with their teachings.
Russellism denies the deity of Christ.
Denies the doctrine of the Trinity
Russell had this to say in regards to the doctrine of the Trinity:
Dictionary of Theological Terms Russellite Dogma
“that notorious, pagan doctrine, the Trinity.”
Dictionary of Theological Terms Russellite Dogma
Russellism reduces atonement* to a mere “at-one-ment” i.e., reconciliation to God without any sacrifice of propitiation.* Russell taught that reconciliation* was in two parts:
a. The work of reconciliation by the man Jesus; and
b. Man’s return to God of his own free will, the condition for such a return having been met by what Jesus did. This work of atonement is not complete and “the little flock” (the Russellites) are said to be “joint sacrifices, joint-mediators, joint-reconcilers, joint-at-one-ers,” who shall thus be “privileged to be joint heirs in the Millennial Kingdom and partakers of his divine nature.” Thus in the Russellite view of salvation, man always acts first, and God accepts the act.
What does the bible teach about who acted first?
God.
Where would I find that in the bible?
14 And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
We call this the protoevangelium. It is the first mention of the gospel in scripture.
Dictionary of Theological Terms Russellite Dogma
Russellism denies all divine retribution, holding that man is so constituted as to be incapable of suffering God’s wrath.* It is vehement in its denunciation of any who preach the reality of a place of torment
In this view, what do they deny exists?
Hell.
Does the bible teach that there is a place of torment?
Yes, it is mentioned many times in the scriptures. Including the book of Revelation in which was so instrumental in the founding of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Dictionary of Theological Terms Russellite Dogma
It also denies the bodily resurrection* of Christ, holding that He was raised “a spirit being of the highest order of the divine nature.”
Here is another quote from Russell regarding the resurrection of Christ:
Dictionary of Theological Terms Russellite Dogma
“The man Jesus is dead, forever dead”
They hold a very interesting view of eschatology (doctrine of the end times):
Dictionary of Theological Terms Russellite Dogma
a. The time of the end began in 1799.
b. Christ’s second coming took place in 1874.
c. The Day of Jehovah began in 1914.
d. The Messenger of the Covenant (the Lord Jesus) came to His temple (the Russellites) in 1918 and so began “the day of our Lord Jesus Christ,” and the judgment of the house of God. Thus Christ has already come, the battle of Armageddon is just about to happen, and immediately the Millennium will follow.
e. All this gives rise to the notion of two sections to the kingdom, the heavenly part and the New World Order on earth.
Just like Mormonism, Russell had a successor named J.F. Rutherford. Which by now you have seen some of his quotes.
I bring him up now since we will see some of his quotes regarding these two sections of the kingdom.
Dictionary of Theological Terms The Heavenly Kingdom
The Heavenly Kingdom
Since 1914 Christ has been ruling in His heavenly kingdom. By Christ, Russellites understand something different from the rest of us. “Christ is composed of Jesus, the great and mighty head, and 144,000 members” (Rutherford). These 144,000 are a special class, all resurrected since 1918, called variously “the mystery class,” “the bride class,” or “the anointed class.” These are “Christ the body,” while Jesus is “Christ the head.” This special class enjoy the heavenly kingdom, ruling as Christ.
Dictionary of Theological Terms The New World Order
The New World Order
Following the battle of Armageddon, the millennium will begin. In it “millions now living,” who desire righteousness but do not know the way, will be given a chance for a place in the New World Order. There will be great miracles of healing, so that “the most sceptical, it is to be hoped, will believe that the Lord Jesus reigns” (Rutherford). There will be a resurrection of those who have died without the knowledge of Christ, and they will be given a minimum trial period of 100 years (for which Isa. 65:20 is cited!). Only a small number will remain disobedient, and they will be annihilated. All the rest, i.e., those “other sheep,” who are not of the 144,000 who reign in the heavenly kingdom, will constitute the New World Order in God’s everlasting kingdom.
One commentator said this about Russellites:
Dictionary of Theological Terms The New World Order
A more complete example of “strong delusion” would be difficult to find.
As far as eschatology goes, we will not delve into this much, suffice it to know that we believe there will be a rapture of the church before a 7 year tribulation period and that Jesus will rule for 1000 years.
What is the Jehovah’s Witness teach about Jesus? who is he?
They believe that Jesus is an archangel.
More specifically they believe that Jesus is actually the incarnation of Michael the archangel.
Last week we looked at the Jehovah Witnesses founding and the early days of the cult. Today we are going to talk about some of the questions we should ask a Jehovah’s Witness and some of the common beliefs they hold and how we can refute those using the Bible and their own translation.
Lets quickly review:
What is the first question you should ask a Jehovah’s Witness?
Why do you believe Jehovah’s Witness to be true?
or
What convinced you to believe that Jehovah’s Witness is the truth?
When we are speaking with someone, how do we engage them to learn more and effectively evangelize at the same time?
Ask questions. This will open the door to learn more about their faith and be able to evangelize them simultaneously.
Here is a question you can ask regarding Jehovah’s Witness truthfulness and believability.
If I am to believe the teachings of the Jehovah’s Witness, I first need to trust the source. How can I trust someone who claims to speak for God when their predictions have failed?
You cannot.
What prediction did Russell make that did not come true?
He claimed that in 1914 the Lord would return and the Millennium would start.
1886 The Millennial Reign Has Already Begun
“The outward evidences are that the marshalling of the hosts for the battle of the great day of God almighty, is in progress while the skirmishing is commencing.” (Watchtower reprints 1, page 817 January 1886)
1897 The Millennial Reign Began in 1874
“ Our Lord, the appointed King, is now present, since October 1874” (Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 4, page 621)
1899 The Times Described in Revelation 16 Have Begun
“…the ‘battle of the great day of God Almighty’ (Revelation 16:14), which will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth’s present rulership, is already commenced.” (The Time Is at Hand, page 101 – 1908 edition)
1916 The Millennial Reign Began in 1873
“The Bible chronology herein presented shows that the six great 1000 year days beginning with Adam are ended, and that the great 7th Day, the 1000 years of Christ’s Reign, began in 1873.” (The Time Is at Hand, page ii)
1917 Armageddon Has Begun
“The present great war in Europe is the beginning of the Armageddon of the scriptures.” (Pastor Russell’s Sermons, 1917, page 676)
1918 The Saints Will Be Resurrected in 1925
“Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old, particularly those named by the Apostle in Hebrews 11, to the condition of human perfection.” (Millions Now Living Will Never Die, page 89)
“1925 shall mark the resurrection of the faithful worthies…We are standing at the very portals of that blessed time!” (Millions Now Living Will Never Die, page 105)
1922 Jesus Will Return in 1925
“The date 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the Scriptures than 1914.” (The Watchtower, September 1st, 1922, page 262)
1923 Jesus Will Return in 1925
“Our thought is that 1925 is definitely settled by the Scriptures. As to Noah, the Christian now has much more upon which to base his faith than Noah had upon which to base his faith in a coming deluge.” (The Watchtower, April 1st, 1923, page 106)
1925 Jesus May Return in 1925
“The year 1925 is here. With great expectation Christians have looked forward to this year. Many have confidently expected that all members of the body of Christ will be changed to heavenly glory during this year. This may be accomplished. It may not be. In his own due time God will accomplish his purposes concerning his people. Christians should not be so deeply concerned about what may transpire this year.” (The Watchtower, January 1st, 1925, page 3)
1940 Armageddon is Eminent Within the Year
“The year 1940 is certain to be the most important year yet, because Armageddon is very near.” (Informant, May 1940)
1941 Jesus Will Return in Months
“Receiving the gift, the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure, but the Lord’s provided instrument for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon.” (The Watchtower, September 15th, 1941, page 288)
1946 Armageddon is “At the Door”
“…the disaster of Armageddon, greater than that which befell Sodom and Gomorrah, is at the door.” (Let God be True, 1946, page 194)
1968 Jesus Will Return in 1975
“Why are you looking forward to 1975?” (The Watchtower, August 15th, 1968, page 494)
“Just think , brothers, there is only 90 months left before 6000 years of mans existence on earth is completed… the majority of people living today will probably be alive when Armageddon breaks out.” (Kingdom Mystery, March 1968, page 4)
Lets return back to some of the issues we were talking about in the last class to discuss what Jehovah’s Witness believe and what the Bible actually teaches.
How many people do Jehovah’s Witness believe will be the ‘anointed class’ in heaven?
144,000 people.
Where did they get this number?
4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. 5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. 6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. 7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. 8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
Who are the 144,000 according to the bible?
Jews comprising of 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel.
Is there any other information regarding these 144,000 in the bible?
Hint: Revelation 14:1,4
1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
According to Revelation 14, what else do we learn about these 144,000?
They are male virgins.
Let’s talk about one of the big topics that Jehovah’s Witness believe.
Did the Romans always preform crucifixions using a cross?
No. In fact they used several variations. Four were the most common that we will discuss.
Much of what we know regarding which method would be chosen depends on multiple factors. One of those would be time period. As we get closer to the early BC period and into AD the cross became more prominently used as a method. The other methods were still used but one thing is for sure, the Romans preferred there to be suffering and agony.
There were however many ways the Romans experimented with crucifixion, and at one point there were four common ways that the Romans would preform crucifixions.
What are the four most common forms of crucifixion?
Crux Simplex (Stake of Post)
Crux Commissa (Connected Cross)
Crux Immissa (Inserted Cross/Traditional Cross)
Crux Decussata (Planks nailed in X shape)
I – Crux Simplex
Sometimes they used a single upright stake or post and either nailed or tied their victim (in some cases this may have simply been to the trunk of a tree). With this shape of wood, the victim’s hands could be tied or nailed quite simply with a single piece of rope or a single nail, as many Jehovah’s Witnesses suggest.
T – Crux Commissa
Sometimes the Roman soldiers used a Crux Commissa (“connected cross”). This is also referred to as “St. Anthony’s Cross” or the “Tau Cross” (after the Greek letter “Tau” it resembles). This structure was constructed from a horizontal beam connected at the top of the vertical stake, forming a “T” shape. Victims were nailed to the T with arms outstretched on either side of the horizontal beam. Their feet were either nailed together or separately to the bottom of the vertical post.
+ – Crux Immissa
Similar to the Crux Commissa, this third shape is the traditional form Christians observe for the cross (“Immissa” means “inserted”). This cross was constructed from a vertical stake with a horizontal cross beam (called a “patibulum”) inserted across the upper portion, leaving a “tip” extending above the patibulum. Sometimes this tip was little more than a small extension, resulting in a structure still resembling a “T” more than a “+”. Victims were nailed to the structure with arms outstretched on either side of the patibulum. Their feet were either nailed together or separately to the bottom of the vertical post.
X – Crux Decussata
This “X” shaped cross (also known as “St. Andrew’s Cross”) borrowed its name from the Roman numeral ten (“decussis”). Two wooden planks were fastened together in an X configuration and the victim’s were nailed to the cross with arms outstretched on top ends of the X. Their feet were either nailed or tied separately to the bottom ends of the X.
So the question remains:
Which was the shape of Jesus’ cross?
The Crux Immissa.
How do we know for sure?
Extra-biblical sources and biblical sources.
The extra-biblical sources eliminate the Crux-Simplex and make the Crux-Decussata highly unlikely. I would say that these two are eliminated by what we know.
Dionysius of Halicarnassus (60BC to sometime after 7BC)
A Greek historian and teacher of rhetoric who lived at the time of the birth of Jesus, offers the following description of how the condemned were led to execution on what appears to be a “Crux Commissa,” or “Crux Immissa”:
“A Roman citizen of no obscure station, having ordered one of his slaves to be put to death, delivered him to his fellow-slaves to be led away, and in order that his punishment might be witnessed by all, directed them to drag him through the Forum and every other conspicuous part of the city as they whipped him, and that he should go ahead of the procession which the Romans were at that time conducting in honour of the god. The men ordered to lead the slave to his punishment, having stretched out both his arms and fastened them to a piece of wood which extended across his breast and shoulders as far as his wrists, followed him, tearing his naked body with whips.” (Roman Antiquities, VII, 69:1-2)
Dionysius used the word “xulon” for the horizontal “patibulum”.
Justin Martyr (100–165AD)
This early Christian Case Maker expressly described the cross of Jesus as being constructed from two beams:
“That lamb which was commanded to be wholly roasted was a symbol of the suffering of the cross which Christ would undergo. For the lamb, which is roasted, is roasted and dressed up in the form of the cross. For one spit is transfixed right through from the lower parts up to the head, and one across the back, to which are attached the legs of the lamb.” (Dialogue with Trypho, Chapter XL)
This description of the cross with two beams is far more similar to the “Crux Immissa” than any other form. Justin Martyr wrote several other passages describing the cross of Jesus in a similar way, analogizing it to a sail mast and staysail or describing the position of Jesus on the cross with outstretched hands.
Artemidorus Daldianus / Ephesius (2nd Century)
Artemidorus was a non-Christian, professional diviner from the city of Ephesus. He wrote a five-volume Greek work called Oneirocritica (“The Interpretation of Dreams”) in which he described crucifixions of criminals:
“Since he is a criminal, he will be crucified in his height and in the extension of his hands” (Oneirocritica 1:76)
According to Artemidorus, criminals during this period of time were executed by Romans on a cross as wide as it was tall. This could once again refer to either the “Crux Commissa,” “Crux Immissa,” or “Crux Decussata”.
The Greek words used in the New Testament place no restrictions on which shape we must infer. Like other languages, the original meaning of the terms “stauros” and “xulon” changed over time. Homer, for example, lived sometime between the 12th and 9th Centuries BC. In his day, the term “stauros” simply meant “pole”. But by the time of Christ, the Romans were still using the Greek language even though they modified many of the words to give them broader meaning. The Greeks did not use crucifixion as a form of execution. When the Romans used this method of punishment, they had to modify the existing Greek terminology to suit their purposes.
What about biblical sources? What verses could we use here to defend the position that the shape of the cross is not a post or stake?
25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
The Greek word here for nails is plural, if Jesus was crucified on a stake there would only be one nail through both hands rather than two nails that were used to nail his hands.
18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
Jesus told Peter he would die with his hands stretched out. History records Peter’s death in Rome where he was crucified upside down (64-67AD). If Peter died like Jesus, his cross would have to be either a “Crux Commissa,” a “Crux Immissa,” or a “Crux Decussata” in order for his hands to be outstretched.
What other clue during Jesus’ crucifixion would give evidence of the shape of His cross?
The inscription over His head.
37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
There is only one shape that adequately meets the requirements for the inscription to be mounted above Jesus’ head; The Crux-Immissa. If Jesus was crucified on a post there would not be room to post the inscription neither would that actually be over His head, but over His hands.
Now it is important that you understand that Jehovah’s Witness believe that the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society is God’s prophet on earth today.
Also does anyone know what the Logo on the Watchtower used to look like before October 1,1931?
It was a cross and a crown.
For over 40 years the Jehovah’s Witness had a cross and a crown as part of their official logo.
In 1921, The Watch Tower published a book by Joseph Rutherford—the second president of The Watch Tower—titled The Harp of God. Repeatedly, Rutherford affirms that Jesus died on a cross. For example, he writes,
“The ransom price was provided at the cross. The cross of Christ is the great pivotal truth of the divine arrangement, from which radiates the hopes of men”
Here is the question you should ask when giving a Jehovah’s Witness this information:
If the Watchtower is a true prophet of God, who speaks for Jehovah, how could they get this wrong?
If they are willing to admit that the Watchtower is wrong, what other doctrines could they be wrong about?
Since we are talking about Jesus.
The Jehovah’s Witness deny that Jesus is God.
Why? How can they deny that Jesus is God when the totality of scripture teaches that Jesus is God.
Did Jesus ever claim to be Yahweh?
Yes. Where in the bible would we find this claim by Jesus?
58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
This verse tells us what two things?
Jesus existed before Abraham (Jesus is eternal).
Jesus is God.
What Old Testament reference was Jesus referring to here when He spoke these words?
14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
How do we know that the Jews understood that Jesus was claiming to be God?
They attempted to stone Him.
What other attributes of God did Jesus demonstrate?
He claimed to be Omnipresent: Matthew 18:20;28:20.
20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
He showed that He was omniscient in that He knew of things that could only be known by someone who had foreknowledge. (Matthew 16:21, Luke 6:8, Luke 11:17, John 4:29)
21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.
17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.
29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
He demonstrated omnipotence and claimed to have power. (Matthew 28:18, Mark 5:11-15, John 11:38-44)
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. 12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. 13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. 14 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. 15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. 40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
He also performed works that only God can do:
Forgiveness (Mark 2:1-2)
Gives life (John 5:21)
Resurrection (John 11:43)
Judgment (John 5:22,27)
God in the Old Testament
I AM (Exodus 3:14–15; Isaiah 48:12)
The Shepherd (Psalm 23:1)
The Light (Psalm 27:1)
The Rock (Psalm 18:2)
Ruler of all (Isaiah 9:6)
Judge of all nations (Joel 3:12)
The Bridegroom (Isaiah 62:5; Hosea 2:16)
God’s Word never passes away (Isaiah 40:8)
The Sower (Jeremiah 31:27; Ezra 34:9)
First and the Last (Isaiah 48:12)
Jesus’ Reference to Himself
I AM (John 8:58)
The Shepherd (John 10:11)
The Light (John 8:12)
The Rock (Matthew 7:24)
Ruler of all (Matthew 28:18)
Judge of all (John 5:22)
The Bridegroom (Matthew 25:1)
Jesus’ words never pass away (Mark 13:31)
The Sower (Matthew 13:3–9)
First and the Last (Revelation 1:17–18)
Now lets talk about bible translation.
The King James Version was used for over 300 years as the main English bible until the 19th century when they began adding modern translations.
Think about that for awhile.
The Jehovah’s Witness change many parts of the New Testament. I will say for a fact that these are not mistranslations or misspellings. These are intentional translations meant to deceive people.
What is the Tetragrammaton?
The Lexham Bible Dictionary Tetragrammaton
A term for the four letters of the personal name of Israel’s God, derived from the Greek for “four” and “letter.” In Hebrew, the name consists of four consonants, יהוה (yhwh).
There is no Greek manuscript that uses the word Jehovah. It is only in the Old Testament that the Tetragrammaton is found.
Why is this important?
Because the Jehovah’s Witness bible, The New World Translation, adds the name Jehovah in places it has never existed.
Now this becomes important and you would think that if Jehovah’s Witness wanted to get the name Jehovah into the New Testament, that they would insert it at John 8:58 where Jesus states that He is the I AM.
But they don’t do this and instead they change it to ‘I have been’. Which also denies His deity since they cannot link Jesus to God in their theology.
In fact, the Jehovah’s Witnesses inserted the word Jehovah over 237 times in the New Testament. They inserted this despite there being no manuscript basis for doing so, meaning that the original Greek word is intentionally mistranslated. This is deceptive.
They use the Septuagint as validation for translating the word ‘kyrios’ (meaning Lord) to Jehovah.
This means that although the Deuteronomy verse Jesus quoted had Yahweh, and perhaps Jesus said, "Yahweh your God", the fact remains that the Holy-Spirit-inspired writers of the Christian Greek Scriptures wrote Kyrios. Yes, the Luke 4:8 text applied Kyrios to the Father, and not the Son (which Jesus confirmed), but
This is so true.
Some random forum guy:
“Those who are keen to put Yahweh in the Greek Scriptures hundreds of times when it was never initially written even once, need to pause and waken up to how that would - time and again - identify Lord Jesus with Lord God.”
So how then do we address these issues?
Go to JW.org and use their New World Translation and the Kingdom Interlinear bible to show them the inconsistencies within their translations.