Does it concern you that "Jehovah Witnesses" teach that Jesus is really Michael the Archangel? Why or why not?

Question

** Catholic and Protestants ONLY PLEASE

** Please NO "Jehovah Witnesses"

Please include in your answer:
"I did not know this." or "Yes, I knew this"

** HERE IS THEIR TEACHING from the Watchtower society website:

"The Truth About Angels

Where, then, did the angels come from?

The Bible indicates that they were individually created by God before the founding of the earth.

The foremost angel, both in power and authority, is the archangel, Jesus Christ, also called Michael. Under his authority are seraphs, cherubs, and angels."

Please do not use this as an opportunity to attack the JWs.

** Forgot about the Mormons!
** PLEASE no Mormons either.

Answer 1

I did not know this. I am Christian, and actually that is quite a conerning teaching. falesy and twisting of the Lords truth, are the first thing that come to mind. Jesus Christ is the Saviour, our Lord and Christ, not michael the archangel. concerning.

Answer 2

It actually seems that Jehovah's Witnesses are correct in teaching that Michael is Jesus.

Note that Jesus the Lord calls with an archangel's voice:
. (1 Thessalonians 4:14-16) Jesus died and rose again, so, too... the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice


Note who leads angelic armies (Jesus is "Logos", "The Word"):
. (Revelation 19:13-14) the name he is called is The Word of God. Also, the armies that were in heaven were following him

. (Revelation 12:7) And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels battled


Who returns and stands up during a time of distress such as has never happened before?

. (Daniel 12:1) “And during that time Michael will stand up, the great prince who is standing in behalf of the sons of your people. And there will certainly occur a time of distress such as has not been made to occur since there came to be a nation until that time. And during that time your people will escape, every one who is found written down in the book.

. (Matthew 24:3-21) the disciples approached him [Jesus] privately, saying: “Tell us, When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?” And in answer Jesus said to them: “...All these things are a beginning of pangs of distress. ...But he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved. ...for then there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.

Once you study it, the bible really teaches that Jesus is Michael. The bible speaks of only one archangel, and who would be above Jesus among heavenly creatures?

Answer 3

Who Is Michael the Archangel?

THE spirit creature called Michael is not mentioned often in the Bible. However, when he is referred to, he is in action. In the book of Daniel, Michael is battling wicked angels; in the letter of Jude, he is disputing with Satan; and in Revelation, he is waging war with the Devil and his demons. By defending Jehovah’s rulership and fighting God’s enemies, Michael lives up to the meaning of his name—“Who Is Like God?” But who is Michael?

At times, individuals are known by more than one name. For example, the patriarch Jacob is also known as Israel, and the apostle Peter, as Simon. (Genesis 49:1, 2; Matthew 10:2) Likewise, the Bible indicates that Michael is another name for Jesus Christ, before and after his life on earth. Let us consider Scriptural reasons for drawing that conclusion.

Archangel. God’s Word refers to Michael “the archangel.” (Jude 9) This term means “chief angel.” Notice that Michael is called the archangel. This suggests that there is only one such angel. In fact, the term “archangel” occurs in the Bible only in the singular, never in the plural. Moreover, Jesus is linked with the office of archangel. Regarding the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thessalonians 4:16 states: “The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice.” Thus the voice of Jesus is described as being that of an archangel. This scripture therefore suggests that Jesus himself is the archangel Michael.

Army Leader. The Bible states that “Michael and his angels battled with the dragon . . . and its angels.” (Revelation 12:7) Thus, Michael is the Leader of an army of faithful angels. Revelation also describes Jesus as the Leader of an army of faithful angels. (Revelation 19:14-16) And the apostle Paul specifically mentions “the Lord Jesus” and “his powerful angels.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7; Matthew 16:27; 24:31; 1 Peter 3:22) So the Bible speaks of both Michael and “his angels” and Jesus and “his angels.” (Matthew 13:41) Since God’s Word nowhere indicates that there are two armies of faithful angels in heaven—one headed by Michael and one headed by Jesus—it is logical to conclude that Michael is none other than Jesus Christ in his heavenly role.

Answer 4

No, I didn't know this. What a horrible lie. That goes totally against what the bible says. Jesus is God because He said He was. Anyone who disagrees makes God to be a liar which Hes not.

The JWs need our prayers, its a shame that so many people are being decieved by false teachings and prophecies.

Answer 5

Yeah it concerns me. My main problem is that Jesus can give eternal life as part of the trinity. Can an archangel give eternal life or can only God give eternal life?

Jesus therefore cannot be the Archangel Michael. Doubting Thomas also said "My Lord and my God".

He certainly didn't say "My Lord and my Archangel", and if he was wrong to call Jesus "My God" then Jesus would not have accepted that and corrected him wouldn't he?

Can you imagine it... Thomas saying "My Lord and my God" and then Jesus saying... "well actually Thomas I am not your God. Infact my name isn't Jesus, its Michael and I'm an Archangel."

Answer 6

I did not know it, but it does not surprise me at all :-)
Michael the angel is Adam, his pre-existence name. He fought in the battle in heaven against Lucifer before we came to earth.
Jesus Christ is Jehovah of the old testament, who directed the prophets of old on behalf of the Father.
The Trinity is a man made false doctrine. the Father and the Son are separate beings, with flesh and bone and the Holy Ghost is a spirit being. They make the Godhead. They are one in purpose to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of men, but separate in existence and roles.

That's why we need prophets, seers, revelator and apostles of God so that children of men might not be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. Once again God has called His prophets and apostles on this earth to restore His only true church by priesthood power. That church is the Church of JEsus Christ of Latter Day Saints :-) Noone knows the things of God, except it be revealed unto him. Surely the Lord, God will do nothing except He reveals His mysteries unto his prophets. Amos 3:7

Answer 7

who's Michael the Archangel? THE spirit creature said as Michael isn't said frequently in the Bible. although, at the same time as he's said, he's in action. in the e book of Daniel, Michael is scuffling with wicked angels; in the letter of Jude, he's disputing with devil; and in Revelation, he's waging conflict with the devil and his demons. by ability of protecting Jehovah’s rulership and struggling with God’s enemies, Michael lives as a lot because the that technique of his call—“who's Like God?” yet who's Michael? at cases, actually everyone appears huge-spread by ability of better than one call. as an celebration, the patriarch Jacob is likewise huge-spread as Israel, and the apostle Peter, as Simon. (Genesis 40 9:a million, 2; Matthew 10:2) Likewise, the Bible exhibits that Michael is yet another call for Jesus Christ, in the previous and after his existence on earth. allow us to judge Scriptural causes for drawing that end. Archangel. God’s be conscious refers to Michael “the archangel.” (Jude 9) This time period ability “chief angel.” observe that Michael is termed the archangel. this signifies that there is in reality one such angel. in truth, the time period “archangel” occurs in the Bible in reality in the singular, never in the plural. as well to, Jesus is acceptable with the workplace of archangel. with reference to the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, a million Thessalonians 4:16 states: “The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice.” accordingly the voice of Jesus is defined as being that of an archangel. This scripture for this reason signifies that Jesus himself is the archangel Michael. military chief. The Bible states that “Michael and his angels battled with the dragon . . . and its angels.” (Revelation 12:7) accordingly, Michael is the chief of a armed forces of honest angels. Revelation also describes Jesus because the chief of a armed forces of honest angels. (Revelation 19:14-16) And the apostle Paul really mentions “the Lord Jesus” and “his effective angels.” (2 Thessalonians a million:7; Matthew 16:27; 24:31; a million Peter 3:22) So the Bible speaks of both Michael and “his angels” and Jesus and “his angels.” (Matthew 13:40-one) because that God’s be conscious nowhere exhibits that there are 2 armies of honest angels in heaven—one headed by ability of Michael and one headed by ability of Jesus—that's logical to finish that Michael is none except Jesus Christ in his heavenly

Answer 8

Jehovah’s Witnesses: Witnessing Tips
By David A. Reed, Ex-Jehovah’s Witness elder

Encounters between Christians and Jehovah’s Witnesses typically revolve around a discussion of deity. The reason for this is twofold. First, this is the area where Watchtower theology deviates most dramatically from orthodox Christianity. In contrast to the Trinitarian concept of one God in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—the JWs have been taught to believe that God the Father alone is "Jehovah," the only true God; that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel, the first angelic being created by God; and that the Holy Spirit is neither God nor a person, but rather God’s impersonal "active force."

Second, the subject of deity is a frequent confrontational focus because both Jehovah’s Witnesses and Christians (at least those who like to witness to JWs) feel confident and well-prepared to defend their stand and attack the opposing viewpoint. Due to the profound theological differences, such discussions often take the form of spiritual trench warfare—a long series of arguments and counterarguments, getting nowhere and ending in mutual frustration. But this need not be the case, especially if the Christian will "become all things to all men" by taking a moment to put himself in the Witness’s shoes, so to speak (see 1 Corinthians 9:22).

In the JW’s mind he himself is a worshiper of the true God of the Bible, while you are a lost soul who has been misled by the devil into worshiping a pagan three-headed deity. He is, no doubt, quite sincere in these beliefs and feels both threatened and offended by the doctrine of the Trinity. To give any serious consideration to your arguments in support of the Trinity is simply unthinkable to the JW; he would be sinning against Jehovah God to entertain such a thought. So, in order to make any headway with the Witness, it is necessary to bridge the gap—to find common ground that will enable him to rethink his theology. Rather than plunging into a defense of "the doctrine of the Trinity," which can be mind-boggling even to a Christian, take things one step at a time. A good first step would be to consider the question, "Is Jesus Christ really an angel?" It will be frightening to the Jehovah’s Witness to open this cherished belief of his to critical reexamination, but not nearly as frightening as to start off discussing evidence that God is triune.

Since the Watchtower Society speaks of "Jesus Christ, whom we understand from the Scriptures to be Michael the archangel" (The Watchtower, February 15, 1979, p. 31), put the JW on the spot and ask him to show you "the Scriptures" that say Jesus is Michael. There are none.

The Watchtower Society New World Translation (NWT) mentions Michael five times as: 1) "one of the foremost princes" (Dan. 10:13); 2) "the prince of [Daniel’s] people" (Dan. 10:21); 3) "the great prince who is standing in behalf of the sons of [Daniel’s] people" (Dan. 12:1); 4) "the archangel" who "had a difference with the devil and was disputingabout Moses’ body" but "did not dare to bring a judgment against him in abusive terms" (Jude 9); and 5) a participant in heavenly conflict when "Michael and his angels battled with the dragon" (Rev. 12:7).

Ask the Jehovah’s Witness which one of these verses says that Michael is Jesus Christ. Help him to see that it is necessary to read Scripture plus a complicated Watchtower argument to reach that conclusion. Rather than being merely "one of the foremost princes," Jesus Christ is "Lord of lords and King of kings" (Rev. 17:14, NWT) and is "far above every government and authority and power and lordship and every name named, not only in this system of things, but also in that to come" (Ephesians 1:21, NWT). And, unlike "Michael who did not dare condemn the Devil with insulting words, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’" (Jude 9, Today’s English Version), Jesus Christ displayed His authority over the devil when He freely commanded him, "Go away, Satan!" (Matthew 4:10, NWT).

In arguing that Jesus is Michael the archangel, the Watchtower Society also points to another verse that does not use the name Michael but says that "the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice and with God’s trumpet . . ." (1 Thessalonians 4:16, NWT). However, the expression "with an archangel’s voice" simply means that the archangel, like God’s trumpet, will herald the coming of the Lord, not that the Lord is an archangel. Point out to the JW that none of the verses he has attempted to use as proof-texts even comes close to stating that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel. In fact, Scripture clearly teaches the opposite: namely, that the Son of God is superior to the angels. The entire first chapter of Hebrews is devoted to this theme.

Have the Witness read Hebrews chapter one aloud with you, and, as you do so, interrupt to point out the sharp contrast between angels and the Son of God. "For to what angel did God ever say, ‘Thou are my Son . . .?’ And again, when he brings the first-born into the world, he says, ‘Let all God’s angels worship him’" (vv. 5,6, Revised Standard Version). Remind the JW that angels consistently refuse worship ("Be careful! Do not do that! . . .Worship God," Revelation 22:8,9, NWT), but the Father’s command concerning the Son is, "Let all God’s angels worship him" (Hebrews 1:6). That is how the Watchtower’s own New World Translation read for some 20 years until, in 1970, the Society changed it to read "do obeisance to him" instead of "worship him"—part of their consistent campaign to eliminate from their Bible all references to the deity of Christ.

True, you have not yet proved the "doctrine of the Trinity" in this discussion. But you have laid a good foundation by giving the Jehovah’s Witness convincing evidence that Jesus Christ is not an angel (he is now faced with the question of who Jesus really is), and you have shown that the Watchtower Society has misled him, even resorting to altering Scripture to do so. Now you are in a much better position to go on to present the gospel. (3:16 continued)

Answer 9

I think that with Jehovah Witnesses, you have to look at it as they are any other religion that is not your faith...Like Buddhist or Muslim, or native American.....By this I mean respecting their beliefs with out judgment...It only matters how solid you believe in your faith, Even though a lot of (not all) Jehovah Witnesses try to push their faith on others we do not have to do the same, and when confronted by some one wishing to recruit you...just look at it as proving your strength in your faith when you stand your ground (just like any other temptation...IE drugs, stealing, lies)

PS It is never a test of our faith to learn about others faiths.

Answer 10

The beauty of believing in God and Jesus, is that we are already forgiven for our trespasses. Does it bother me that some don't believe in Jesus as the son of God, No. We are all taught our religions or lack of from the time we are born, and no one can be blamed for that- its tradition in each family to do so.

They can believe whatever they want, and as long as they live a good life and believe in God, they are already forgiven.