The Bible says the path to destruction will be broad! Why do Jehovah Witnesses express pride in their growth?

Question

I've read at least 3 questions(really just comments posted as questions) where witnesses are bragging over their growth and how many members have been baptized into their religion. According to scripture, that's not really a good sign. Broad and wide is the way to destruction. Narrow and few the path to life.

God will not choose who has eternal life by the number of members in your religion here on earth. You do not have to belong to a kingdom hall or church to preach. In fact, I think preaching from door to door makes it less likely that you will reach people, because many people will be less receptive to opening their doors to strangers with todays crime.

If you have to clock your time for humans, you are trying to impress people, not preaching for God? You can preach the gospel on the bus, at the store, at school, everywhere. It is sad that JWs do a lot of visual practices to be judged holy by men, rather than God.

Of course JWs will flock to this question with the quickness, defending, click thumbs down, and their usual behaviors, that's expected, but why do some of you non-witnesses feel the JWs just don't get this?

Answer 1

Salvation is a Gift from God, and Gifts are given freely. We can't persuade someone to give us a Gift, and we can't buy or earn it. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

Each time I talk to JWs, they compare themselves to others, to justify what they do and don't do. The only problem, is that everyone human is imperfect, so even if you're the greatest among men, you're still the least in heaven until you've been reborn. A JW is disagreeing with me now on another thread, and stating how they don't send around collection plates, or raise money like the girl scouts, to justify their character.

It doesn't matter how much evangelizing you do, how many tracts you pass out, or how many commandments you keep. If you are doing these things just to avoid death and win a place in heaven, and not from the heart, you're no different than someone who rejects God.

Most JWs are all work and action, but no heart and Christlike spirit. They treat ministry like a 9 to 5 job where you earn a paycheck. They are literally attempting to collect spiritual points. Unfortunately, when their review comes up, many will be surprised they've earned nothing, or will be considered least in heaven.

Answer 2

Most Jehovah Witnesses are sincere and truly believe they are the true "religion". Hence there is where the problem can be found. Religions are man-made, and human feelings, along with opinions are not utilized to determined truth.

We should only depend on God's Word and the Holy Spirit, to detect Twisting of scripture, and test False Prophets.

After following the above guidelines set forth by the Lord, Jehovah Witnesses have most certainly contradicted scripture, as taught by our Lord and Savior. Sadly this sect has been misled by Satan's Lies. May the Lord be with them.

Colossians 2:8-10

Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

Blessings, Miji

Answer 3

Jehovah Witnesses place more emphasis on acts, rather than faith and truth. They do not follow scripture, nor have they learned that we are saved by Grace, not what we do. A christian who understands this will automatically live a life in agreement with the Bible. Not the other way around. Facts and history on this cult is below.

Answer 4

I don't know why this surprises you. Any religion which denies the Divinity of Jesus, would definitely not have a problem with hypocricy. Which is what it really is. Of the three people who defended this religon before me, two made sarcastic comments, and the other is trying to save face for the group by comparing their numbers to other religions.

Jehovah Witnesses are always looking for a reason to cry they're persecuted because they think that makes them appear righteous to others. When you're persecuted for the right reasons, you don't need to remind people constantly, others will see it. Most of the persecution JWs receive is due to their behavior and lack of respect for the privacy and lack of interest by others. This draws attention to the group for the wrong reasons, and NOT because they're Christlike.

This site describes this religion perfectly:

Close scrutiny of their doctrinal position on such subjects as the Deity of Jesus, Salvation, the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, the Atonement, etc., shows beyond a doubt that they do not hold to orthodox Christian positions on these subjects. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Jesus is Michael the archangel, the highest created being. This contradicts many Scriptures which clearly declare Jesus to be God (John 1:1,14; 8:58; 10:30). Jehovah’s Witnesses believe salvation is obtained by a combination of faith, good works, and obedience. This contradicts countless Scriptures which declare salvation to be received by faith (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5).

Jehovah’s Witnesses reject the Trinity, believing Jesus to be a created being and the Holy Spirit to essentially be the power of God. Jehovah’s Witnesses hold to a ransom theory of the atonement, in which Jesus' death paid only for what mankind lost when Adam sinned - namely, the right to perfect life on earth. Thus, they believe in a faith + works arrangement, where sin and death are freely atoned for by Christ, but physical perfection is attained through personal effort, coupled with faith in Christ.

Answer 5

If you have access to them compare the worldwide yearly reports produced by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

You will notice every year that there is a decline in numbers in western type countries?

Growth areas are predominately those 3rd world type countries?

Why? I have a theory. In Western countries we have easier access to the internet, books etc. We can research for ourselves in privacy. Where as in poorer countries they don't have these resources. They take what they are told as gospel. And if you question it, who do you ask? I don't know how familiar you are with the religion but if you start asking questions that appear to be against the religon's doctrines/beliefs you risk being disphellowshipped. And losing contact with all your family and friends.

Answer 6

Good question. Thankfully growth is not a universal determinate for God's approval

Answer 7

It is not a matter of WOO HOO were gonna be bigger. It is more a matter of feeling joyfull at the prospect of more and more people deciding to follow Jehovah. As far as the numbers there are approximately 1000 nonwitnesses to every witness, not exactly a majority by any means.

You say that Witnesses will flock to your question as though a Witness answering a question on Witnesses is a bad thing. May I ask why?

Answer 8

"Of course JWs will flock to this question with the quickness, defending, click thumbs down, and their usual behaviors, that's expected, but why do some of you non-witnesses feel the JWs just don't get this?"

Three answers and two are from witnesses with an answer to your question and that upsets you. And only one thumb down on the only other answer, which may have come from you as anyone. Boy are you stressed.

Answer 9

Ephesians 2:8-9 for by grace are you saved through faith,it is a gift from god not of works lest any should boast.salvation is free.

Answer 10

You seem a little perturbed- can we all be nice to each other please?

There are less than 7 million of us out of the almost 7 billion people on the Earth today- does that seem like "the broad and spacious road"? If anything, we are still a minority compared to Catholicism, Christianity, Buddism, Hinduism, etc.

If you are referring to the comment I made to Lee T, I wasn't "bragging" by any means. I was simply pointing out the incorrect statements he made about our numbers "dying out."

And, actually, while the door to door work is the work we are most recognized for, we also informal witness, which includes bus stops, stores, school (if we are a student) and many other places that you mentioned.