how do you evaluate false prophets like the watchtower?

Question

There are scriptural guidelines for evaluating claims like those of the WT. The Lord Jesus said that false prophets might be recognized by "bad fruit" or sinful deeds (Matt. 15:17-20). We would have to acknowledge that all people sin, even prophets. But a true prophet would not be characterized by a consistent pattern of deliberately spurning God's law.
Therefore, anyone who claims to be a prophet should be reliably honest in all his dealings—especially in spiritual matters. The WT claims it is the "faithful and wise servant" called to dispense God's "meat in due season" (see Matt. 24:45). Those whom God has called to be teachers and prophets must be circumspect about their proclamation (James 3:1). It must always be only the truth.

Jesus also said that false prophets deceive rather than enlighten (Matt. 24:11). One who deliberately and repeatedly distorts the truth would be disqualified as a true prophet. The apostle Peter taught that false prophets can be spotted because they fail the test of orthodoxy, and introduce heresies which deny Jesus as Lord (2 Pet. 2:1).

Now we may return to the primary purpose of the article, to answer the question of whether the WT can be trusted to teach spiritual truth. The Bible gives us clear standards by which we can judge the WT's position that it is God's organization. The Bible is clear that God's organization would not deliberately and consistently mislead people, it would not distort the truth, and it would not teach heresy which denies Jesus as Lord.

So, how does the WT measure up? As a case study, we here will examine one of the WT's most commonly-distributed pamphlets. This pamphlet has been used by the WT since 1989, and thus Jehovah's Witnesses cannot claim that it is new, and it will be corrected. If it is wrong, they have had ample opportunity to change it. If it is in error, it represents a consistent and intentional pattern of deception.

pamphlet in question is an attack on one of the Bible's most important and fundamental doctrines. The title is Should You Believe in the Trinity?1 The pamphlet seems very authoritative. Quotations from non-WT and even evangelical Christian sources make it appear as though the doctrine of the Trinity is, in reality, unbiblical, and that even our own pastors and teachers don't really believe it.

However, as the reader will see, the WT repeatedly misquotes publications and authors, taking out of context in a number of places in order to make a case for the heresy of denying the Trinity, and thus denying the full Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Firstly, the pamphlet quotes The Encyclopedia Americana on page 4: "The doctrine of the Trinity is considered to be 'beyond the grasp of human reason.'" However, in its fuller context, The Encyclopedia Americana actually says, "It is held that although the doctrine is beyond the grasp of human reason, not contrary to reason, and may be apprehended (though it may not be comprehended) by the human mind."2 This passage was taken out of context to add credibility to the WT teaching that the Trinity is an "unreasonable" doctrine. However, even the WT admits that just because a doctrine seems incomprehensible, that is no reason to reject it: "Should we really expect to understand everything about a Person who is so great that he could bring into existence the universe, with all its intricate design and stupendous size?"3

Pastor Russell declared the millennium to have come in 1872, but when time had passed, it became obvious that the millennium had not come in 1872, and later Watchtower publications predicted that it would come in 1975. Was one of these dates right?

Answer 1

Accuracy

They have set a date for the second coming at least five times
Obviously all were wrong
The Bible clearly says that no one knows the time or hour

They tell members to divorce the spouse if they will not join too
The Bible clearly states that Adultery is the only grounds for divorce

All you need is one error to be a false prophet

There are many Errors by the Watch Tower

Answer 2

My initial evaluation is that they cannot see the wood through the trees.

One of their followers previously answered with "Another lesson The Watchtower has taught for decades is that the Bible is the only inspired communication from God today"

Well then, why do they use the Watchtower over the Bible because clearly the Bible states many things that the watchtower denies and claims as false.

If they are the one true church then why have they repeatedly predicted the future only for nothing to happen? Is this not misleading people and false prophecy. If they follow the Bible then why do they follow only what the watchtower tells them.

A prophet is recognised for their vision. With the Watchtower and their predictions their vision is blurred and Jesus warned that false prophets would appear and decieve.

Answer 3

I evaluate based on the doctrine that Jesus Christ is the Lord of lords and King of kings just like Jesus Christ says. The fact is the watchtower believes in a diminished Jesus - merely the son of a greater creator Father. Read the King James Version Book of Revelation and you will see numerous statements that Jesus Christ is in fact God. The reason Revelation is primary source is that the whole book is post-glorification of Jesus Christ or the whole book was written after the truth ascended back to the good and the resultant action on the universe.

Answer 4

I don't , the watchtower is of satan and they are false prophets. They once predicted that the world would come to a end in 1914 so that alone is a false prophet. I believe they do the DEVILS work to mislead people into their cult so they can control them like robots. Jehovah is not the name of God so there's a great lie right there, they wrote their own bible so what else does a person need to see that they are of the devil. Go to silentlambs.organd you will see that they have over 23,000 child abuse cases against them. PLEASE stay away from these wolfs that have come in a sheep covering.

Answer 5

Any religious group who claims to know some information the Bible tells us all that no man knows is without a doubt a false teaching, even Satan backed garbage. The Watchtower had some major setbacks in the 70's when the shift of power of the group went from one man to another. I find it hard to believe anyone in control of that group even believes in God. I think they are there for the bucks. If not for the money, man wants to make up things that makes more sense to him than the word of God. They do what they think God would do instead of what God has told us all.

Answer 6

Eye in the Sky
___________________________________
Don't think sorry's easily said
Don't try turning tables instead
You've taken lots of Chances before
But I'm not gonna give anymore
Don't ask me
That's how it goes
Cause part of me knows what you're thinkin'

Don't say words you're gonna regret
Don't let the fire rush to your head
I've heard the accusation before
And I ain't gonna take any more
Believe me
The sun in your Eyes
Made some of the lies worth believing

Chorus:
I am the eye in the sky
Looking at you
I can read your mind
I am the maker of rules
Dealing with fools
I can cheat you blind
And I don't need to see any more
To know that
I can read your mind, I can read your mind

Don't leave false illusions behind
Don't Cry cause I ain't changing my mind
So find another fool like before
Cause I ain't gonna live anymore believing
Some of the lies while all of the Signs are deceiving

Answer 7

During the past 130 years, readers of The Watchtower have learned that Jehovah's Witnesses are performing a unique role in helping their neighbors to understand God's plan to replace human governments and restore an earthly paradise.

(Daniel 2:44) The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. ...It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite

(Matthew 6:9-10) You must pray, then, this way: ˜Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth

(Psalm 37:10,11,29) And just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more... But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth... The righteous themselves will possess the earth, And they will reside forever upon it.


Another lesson The Watchtower has taught for decades is that the Bible is the only inspired communication from God today. Similarly, the Bible is the only infallible means of discerning the thoughts of the Almighty. Faithful and discreet servants of God have performed much good in the century-plus since The Watchtower began publication, but its writers have never once claimed to be either infallible or divinely inspired.

Clearly, true worshippers should be far more concerned with the Word of God than with even the best of bible study aids. As an illustration, consider that a stylish pair of precision eyeglasses are still no comparison with the miracle of the beautiful human eye!

The larger issue of God's Kingdom has always been of primary concern to modern Jehovah's Witnesses. The Kingdom preaching work today is not distracted by worries over long-past mistakes of Moses, King David, Apostle Peter, or magazine writers a hundred years ago.

Perhaps it should be noted that Jehovah's Witnesses are NOT trying to preach themselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord.
(2 Corinthians 4:4-6) For we are preaching, not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake.

Jehovah's Witnesses remain unaware of any infallible earthly group who also is performing a global preaching campaign in obedience to Christ Jesus himself:
(Matthew 28:19,20) Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And, look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.

Jehovah's Witnesses feel as did Peter:
(John 6:68) Peter answered him: "Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life

Read for yourself the clarity and wisdom in the publications of Jehovah's Witnesses:
http://watchtower.org

Answer 8

2 Peter 2:21 says "However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among you. These very ones will quietly bring in destructive sects and will disown even the owner that bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves."

How can Jehovah's Witnesses be "false prophets", that is, spokesmen, when the only things they speak are things found in the scriptures?

How can Jehovah's Witnesses be "false teachers", when they zealously try to encourage everyone to peer into the pages of the bible and look to Jesus Christ as their leader?

Rather than "quietly bring in destructive sects", they promote peace, love, and unity among themselves and their neighbors.

They could never "disown even the owner that bought them", because they loyally serve Jesus Christ, and keep him as the central figure in their lives.

Instead of "bringing speedy destruction upon themselves", they continue to grow by the hundreds of thousands each year.

So your reference to 2 Peter 2:1 certainly does not apply to this group of zealous and loving Christians.

Why do so many join themselves to this group every year, in fact, each month and each day? Could they recognize the "good fruit" that this organization bears?

Other persons miscontrued reasons for hating an entire group of people should be irrelevent.

Anyone desiring accurate information about Jehovah's Witnesses, as opposed to misleading hearsay, should talk to one, or visit their website at http://www.watchtower.org/

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EDITED

Since you are emailing me, but refusing emails, I'll post my response here.

I've been to these sites numerous times. When I stated on my post about someone wanting accurate information, as opposed to misleading information, sites like those you cite are infested with the such misleading information.

For example, take the quote from the Encyclopedia Americana. The information you posted is the same information the Trinity brochure has printed. Americana says "It is held that... the doctrine is beyond the grasp of human reason...it may not be comprehended by the human mind."

"The WT", as those guys say, doesn't have to add credibility. American says what it says.

The same goes with the lies that such sights perpetuate about the quotes from the ante-nicene fathers. However, the quotes as presented in the brochure are accurate, as I personally purchased copies of these volumes so that I can expose such sites as watch, feebleminds, and others as dissiminating false information about God, Jesus, the Bible, the ante-nicene fathers, and Jehovah's Witnesses.

The list could go on and on.

The choice is yours to do some real honest personal research, or let other people like towerwatch do your thinking for you.

May I recommend a good 3rd party source that is a non-witness?

Get the book "Truth in Translation" by Professor Jason Debuhn. He is a fellow scholar of biblical greek and hebrew languages, and his assessment of modern english bibles is fair and accurate.

Answer 9

If you don't subscribe to their belief or teaching then let it go, ignore them. They like other denominations fill the needs of some people. The journey for truth and search for GOD is a lifetime search in most cases, your foundation of belief should be based on what you believe and not what someone has pushed on you to believe. If you disagree with or don't think it is right, pray for them. The old saying is true, lead by example! Pray for others, be kind don't cast judgement.

Answer 10

This is an easy one. The Watchtower Tract & Bible Society does claim to be the faithful and wise servant. (Although they first attributed that to Charles T. Russell, one of the founders.) As such, they are claiming to hold the office of prophet. (A prophet dispenses God's truth.)

They have said in their own publications: "Is not the Watchtower Tract & Bible Society the one and only channel which the Lord has used to dispense his truth since the beginning of the harvest period?" (Watchtower 4/1/1919, page 6414)

And what does the Bible say about God's prophets? "But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him." (Deuteronomy 18:20-22)

And what about God and His Word? "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19) and " And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent." (I Samuel 15:29)

Since they claim the office of prophet, let's take a look at their track (not tract LOL!) record. Remember, the prophet's word will line up with Scripture, and will not change.

1) What about their view on Christmas?

Old view of the Watchtower:

"It is quite immaterial the day Christmas is celebrated; we may properly join." (Watchtower 12/15/1903, page 3290)

"Don't quibble about the date; join in with the world and celebrate Christmas." (Watchtower 12/1/1904, page 3468)

"Christmas is so important, regardless of the date." (Watchtower 12/15/1926, page 371)

Recent view of the Watchtower:

"Jesus was not born on December 25...Hence, celebrating his birthday through Christmas observance on December 25 is totally inappropriate for those guided by the Holy Scriptures." (Watchtower 12/15/1979, page 5)

"We all need to face up to the fact that Christmas and its music are not from Jehovah, the God of truth. Then what is their source? Satan the Devil." (Watchtower 12/15/19893, page 7)

2) How about dates of prophecy?

Old view of the Watchtower:

"God's faithful people on the earth emphasized the importance of the dates 1914, 1918, and 1925. They had much to say about these dates and what would come to pass, but what they predicted did not come to pass." (Vindication, Volume I (1931) page 148)

"Christians cannot be wishy-washy, going back to the same teachings they had rejected earlier." (Watchtower 5/15/1976, page 298)

Recent view of the Watchtower:

"Are we to assume from this study that the battle of Armageddon will be over by the autumn of 1975, and the long-looked for thousand year reign of Christ will begin then? Possibly...it may involve only a difference of weeks or months, not years." (Watchtower 8/15/1968, page 499)

"Considerable expectation was aroused regarding the year 1975...Statements published that implied that such realization of hopes by that year was more of a probability than a mere possibility. It is regretted....the publication of the information that contributed to the buildup of hopes centered on that date." (Watchtower 3/15/1980, page 17)

These are just two of their changes of prophecy which they are supposedly the dispensers of truth for the unchangable God and His Word.

Jesus told us that we weren't to know when the second coming would happen. "He answered them, "It is not for you to know what times or periods the Father has set by his own authority." (Acts 1:8) Yet there are those who affix dates of the second coming, and then are disappointed.