How is it that Jehovah's Witnesses claim that their bible is the same of any other Christian faith...but they dont believe in hell??? Why dont they believe in hell where do they think we go?? Also I heard something about 144,000 people whats so special about the 144,000???
2007-05-09 10:22:53 · 26 answers · asked by lovely 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
So Jehovah's Witnesses dont believe that everyone will enter the gates of heaven and only the 144,000 annointed will?? What verse is that in the bible? Also how do you know you are one of the annointed??
2007-05-10 15:10:55 · update #1
The Jehovah's Witnesses believe the ultimate destiny of all Mankind is left to one of three options.
Either Annihilation, for the majority of Mankind; Paradise Earth, for the majority of the Jehovah's Witnesses or for a select few Heaven to rule with Jesus.
Annihilation
Realizing that the biblical teaching on Hell was not a pleasant alternative, Charles Taze Russell, founder of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, rejected its reality.
He replaced it with the concept that hell is synonymous with the grave and that the biblical term of second death means extinction.
The redefining of these doctrinal positions was followed by Russell's successor, Joseph Rutherford, and is so today by all faithful Jehovah's Witnesses.
In one of the most well known books ever to be produced by the Watchtower, Let God Be True, the Jehovah's Witness organization explains the following about hell:
"It is so plain that the Bible hell is the tomb, the grave, that even an honest little child can understand it, but not the religious theologians" (pp. 72-73).
Thus, what then happens to the wicked after they awaken from their long soul sleeping slumber in hell?
Again, based on a misin¬terpretation of Scripture, the Jehovah Witness will explain that the vast majority of those in hell are to be thrown into the second death.
Since in Jehovah's Witness theology, hell is the grave, what is the second death?
The Watchtower magazine explains, "It means the death from which there is no resurrection. They will be burned up root and branch, as completely gone forever as the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah" (1 July 1967, p. 409).
Later that same year, the Watchtower magazine again wrote about the second death.
"It is a death from which there is no resurrection. The second death is absolutely distinct from Adamic death, for the Dragon, the Original Serpent, Satan the Devil, never died in Adamic death but he is hurled into the `second death,' the symbolic lake of fire, and so too, are the `wild beast' and the `false prophet.'
"So the `lake of fire' symbolizes everlasting destruction of a person or thing" (15 September 1967, p. 571).
Hence, the ultimate destiny for a portion of Mankind, after they awaken from a period of soul sleep, is to be judged unworthy of further life, be thrown into the "lake of fire" or "second death", thus being destroyed forever.
They will become extinct. They will cease to exist.
Heaven
One of Jehovah's Witnesses more distinctive doctrines is their limiting the heavenly hope to 144,000 individuals.
They explain to their members, "One other noteworthy point that God has foreordained about this new creation is its exact number.
"When completed, it is to be 144,000 members strong under the Head Jesus Christ; and on the heavenly Mount Zion, where he has been laid as the tested and sure foundation, they will stand up in power with him" (New Heavens and A New Earth, p. 169).
This group of 144,000 are also called the remnant, little flock or anointed class.
Aside from being the only ones who are allowed into heaven, they also are the only ones who escape the doctrine of soul sleep.
The book From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained explains, "After Jesus died and was resurrected men and women could be set aside to become the `little flock' of 144,000 persons who make up the heavenly, spiritual nation of God, and who are to rule with Christ in the new heavens.
"Their resurrection is also a `resurrection of life' because they `did good things' on earth. However, the resurrection of the 144,000 members of the spiritual nation is a resurrection to spirit life in the heavens.
"Has this spiritual resurrection taken place? Yes, back in chapter 26 we learned that it took place when Christ came to Jehovah's temple in 1918" (p. 231).
Hence, while everyone else is sleeping in hell (e.g. the grave), the 144,000 have been resurrected since 1918 when Jesus, according to Watchtower theology, moved into Jehovah's temple.
It must be remembered that not all of the 144,000 or little flock lived and died prior to 1918. For this reason the same book provides further insight into this doctrine.
"Those of this spiritual nation who died before the spiritual resurrection began in 1918 slept in death until that year. But the others who were still alive on earth have continued to live out their regular lives.
"And now when the earthly life of one of such persons ends he is resurrected at once to spirit life. He is changed in a moment from being a human creature to being a spirit creature in heaven with Jesus Christ.
"But only 144,000 persons will be a part of the new heavens with Jesus Christ" (Ibid, p. 232).
Obviously, prior to 1918 even the 144,000 experienced soul sleep when they died. Now, however, they are allowed to escape this slumber and are immediately taken into the heavenly realms.
Since, as the Watchtower has repeatedly stated, only 144,000 are allowed into heaven's glory, what about the millions of other Jehovah's Witnesses?
Paradise Earth
Though the Watchtower membership would not exceed 144,000 for over ten years, the leadership no doubt realized they were going to have theological difficulties in the not too distant future if something was not changed.
Being true to the cultic practice of poor biblical interpretation, rather than changing their theology to agree with scripture, the Jehovah's Witnesses twisted the scripture to fit their heretical theology.
It was at the "1935 convention in Washington, D.C." that the leaders of the Watchtower publicly proclaimed to the Jonadab class they were to inherit an earthly paradise as their eternal reward (Jehovah's Witnesses In The Divine Purpose, p. 140).
During this convention, "Scriptural evidence was produced to prove conclusively that the great multitude of Revelation 7:9 was identical with the Jonadab class or the sheep class of Matthew 25:31-46" (Ibid).
While this theological bomb-shell proved to be "a real test to some of those who claimed to be of the anointed remnant," even causing "some (to) fall by the wayside," most faithful Witnesses accepted this doctrinal readjustment with open arms (Ibid).
The Jehovah's Witnesses explained that while "the campaign `Millions Now Living Will Never Die' from 1918 to 1921 was a step in the direction of reaching this class destined one day to populate the earth," the "gathering of them was not stressed" (Ibid).
With this new doctrinal shift, things were about to under go a radical modification.
"But now, from 1935 forward, a change began to take place. Not only must the spiritual food provided for God's people be directed to these spirit-begotten ones but it must also now supply nourishment fit to strengthen those whose Scriptural hopes were entirely earthly.
"No longer were the remnant going into the field looking for just the scattered sheep of Jehovah's anointed ones. Now these ministers must begin to look for the `other sheep'" (Ibid).
Now was the time, according to the Jehovah's Witness newly acquired theology, to seek members who would have no heavenly hope. Rather, they would be the ones who were not "spiritually-begotten" and would thus live forever on Paradise Earth.
It must be understood that of those in the Jehovah's Witnesses two class salvation system, only the 144,000 are to partake of the born again experience.
This point is made clear by the Watchtower magazine when it states, "There is a difference, though, as Jesus indicated to Nicodemus even before he spoke of everlasting life. He said: `Unless anyone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' (John 3:3-5)
"So a spiritual rebirth is experienced by those baptized Christians whom God calls to be joint heirs with Jesus in his Kingdom.
"The `other sheep' do not need any such rebirth, for their goal is life everlasting in the restored earthly Paradise as subjects of the Kingdom" (15 February 1986, p. 14).
Thus, the other sheep, the great crowd, those who do not expect to go to heaven do not need, according to Watchtower theology, to be born again! They have no heavenly hope, so their relationship does not depend upon the Savior's gift of the new birth.
How then are they to be counted worthy of receiving life everlasting on a Paradise earth? Through their own works.
In a Watchtower magazine article titled, You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth But How?, the subheading "four requirements" provides some very insightful information.
"A third requirement is that we be associated with God's channel, his organization. Similarly, Jehovah is using only one organization today to accomplish his will.
"To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it" (15 February 1983, p. 12).
As might be expected, that "one organization" is not any Christian church, but rather the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Hence, to be worthy of life everlasting in Paradise earth, one must be a member of that organization.
However, even membership is not sufficient. There is another requirement.
"The fourth requirement is connected with loyalty. God requires that prospective subjects of his Kingdom support his government by loyally advocating his Kingdom rule to others.
"Will you meet this requirement by telling others about God's Kingdom?" (Ibid, pp. 12-13).
To state this in simple terms, the potential resident of Paradise earth, must go door-to-door spreading the Watchtower message.
Thus, the next time a Jehovah's Witness knocks at the front door, remember, the question: If you were to die right now, and stand before God, and He asked, `Why should I let you into heaven?' may not be the most appropriate question to ask.
That particular Jehovah's Witness may not believe that they will stand immediately before God upon death, and even after they stand before God at the judgement, they will probably not expect to go to heaven!
2007-05-14 02:22:48 · answer #1 · answered by pumped up! whoo hoo! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually we do believe in hell as spoken of in the Bible. The hell that was translated from the word Sheol in the Hebrew scriptures (commonly called the old testament) and Hades in the Greek scriptures (commonly called the new testament) A study of the bible reveals that hell is the common grave of all mankind. Not a place of eternal torment. The Bible speaks of the majority of the dead as being in memorial tombs where they await resurrection by God.(Ezekiel 18:4, Ecclesiastes 9:5, John 5:28)
The 144.000 spoken of in the Bible at Revelation 7:4 and Revelation 14:1 are those who will rule with Christ Jesus in heaven over a paradise earth where the majority of faithful mankind will live forever.(Isaiah 65:17, 2Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1-4)
2007-05-10 16:24:19 · answer #2 · answered by babydoll 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The Bible says "For the living are concious that they will die, but as for the dead, they are concious of nothing at all.." It also says that "the wages sin pays is DEATH, but the gift God gives is EVERLASTING LIFE through Christ". So, when we die, we are no longer concious of anything.. so how could we be tortured if we are unconcious of anything? And the two choices Jehovah God gave us are clear: sin and death, with no hope of a relationship with Him, or faith and obedience and everlasting life. The Bible also says that "the righteous will inherit the earth", and that "Jehovah made the heavens for Himself and other spirit creatures, and the earth for earthling man".. so if that is true, who do you suppose it is that that means? 144,000 are chosen from among mankind down through the ages to serve with Christ in the heavens.. over the righteous who inherit the earth! The rest of faithful mankind will be right here, where Jehovah intended for us to be in the first place, becoming more perfect every day, and being allowed to again make this earth a paradise! If your questions have not been answered here, you might contact your local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses and they will be happy to show you in your own Bible the answers.
* Scriptures mentioned are : Ecclesiastes 9:4, Romans 6:23, Psalms 37:29, and Psalms 115:16
2007-05-09 10:47:49 · answer #3 · answered by themom 6 · 8⤊ 0⤋
They do believe in Hell, just that it is the common grave. Where was Jesus and Lazarus during the days they were dead? Lazarus wasn't born again, as the Holy Spirit was not poured out until after the death and resurrection of Christ. So, did they cook in Hell?
Also, if burning in hell is forever, why would God destroy Satan and his Demons after the 1000 year reign of Christ? And what about during? Satan and the demons are chained up? Whose watching over the fires in Hell and making sure the lost souls are staying put?
Man was not created to live in Heaven or Hell. Man, and woman, was created to live on God's creation, Earth and the other planets in the Universe.
As for the 144,000, they will be overseeing the work of converting the Earth back into a Paradise.
Now, if you are so shamed by God's Creation, that living on Earth is too much for you to take, regardless of whether now or later when it is a paradise, than perhaps you should tell God that you are too good to live on his creation and deserve a place in Heaven.
2007-05-09 12:04:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 2⤋
JWs use the entire bible and any bible.
John 1:1 Shows clearly that Jesus was not God on Earth.
and the word "WAS" God.
Hell: Is the grave where people are in a sleep like state.
John 11:1-16 "Our Friend Lazareth Sleepeth"
The 144,000 are God's choosen people that will work with Jesus as kings and priest. Rev 7
2007-05-10 04:43:09 · answer #5 · answered by keiichi 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The Jehovahs Witnesses are a joke. Don't waste your time taking them seriously. They were actually proven to be a farce in a court of law. There's a book called "Questions for Jehovahs Witnesses" in which court documents proved Pastor Rutherford, one of the founders of this church to be a cheat and a liar. He's the one that translated the NWT bible they said was "so accurate". On the bench, under oath, he perjured himself by claiming to be an expert in koine greek. Koine greek is the form of greek used in all the ancient manuscripts, or codexes, for the new testament. This fool couldn't even identify half the greek letters. He was asked to explain and simply couldn't. He revised his claim to mean he was familiar with it. As far as the translation of Jn. 1: 1. Ask a actual new testament scholar with accredited credentials in koine greek like Julius Mantey. He says the NWT translation of Jn.1:1 is fictitious and based soley on what they want it to say. It means that according to Jn. 1:1, Jesus is the eternal word of God, present with the Father from the beginning.
2007-05-16 16:21:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
But we do believe hell. It just is not a place of fiery torment.
We do not go anywhere when we die. We just die.
What is special about the 144,000 is that they have been anointed by God with holy spirit to be his sons in heaven.
Our bible is the same and better because it honors Jehovah God.
2007-05-10 12:12:55 · answer #7 · answered by sklemetti 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Moses was appointed to lead Jehovah's people out of Egypt.
(Exodus 3:10)
Imperfect men were inspired to write the Bible.
(Genesis 6:13,14, 22; 2 Peter 2:5)
read from your Bible! Zechariah 8:23
"This is what Jehovah of armies has said, 'It will be in those days that ten men* out of all the languages# 'tongues' of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew, saying: "we will go with you people, for we have heard [that] God is with you people."
We should worship with spirit and truth. Jehovah is a spirit and the Truth. We are walking by faith not by sight.
What is Death?
In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For dust you are and to dust you will return. Genesis 3:19.
The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all, because the remembrance of them has been forgotten. Ecclesiastes 9:5
Why do people Die?
Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned. Roman 5:12
"Jesus, whats us to rememeber his kingdom. because he said, "Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in Paradise." in the "orginal garden of eden."
their will be a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more.
he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away...
Do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul;* "Life"
rather be in fear of him that can destroy both soul and body in Ge.hen'na. "means the second death."
2007-05-09 20:07:43 · answer #8 · answered by ? 1 · 5⤊ 1⤋
We do have the same Bible as others, the teaching about burning in hell just isn't in the Bible.
2007-05-16 01:04:37 · answer #9 · answered by Tyler 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Back in the 1870's Jehovah's Witnesses recognized that hell is not hot, nearly a century before the New World Translation was completed. The Witnesses are happy to explain any bible truth using any translation preferred by a householder or student.
http://watchtower.org/e/bible/ec/chapter_009.htm?bk=Ec;chp=9;vs=5;citation#bk5
http://bible.cc/ecclesiastes/9-5.htm
Regarding the resurrection of humans to heaven, Jehovah's Witnesses understand the Scriptures to teach that exactly 144,000 humans will join Christ Jesus as kings and priests to administer God's Kingdom (which will soon replace all earthly governments) after Armageddon.
(Daniel 2:44) God of heaven will set up a kingdom... It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite
(Revelation 14:1) Lamb [Jesus] standing upon the Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand
(Revelation 20:6) they will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him
(Luke 12:32) Have no fear, LITTLE FLOCK [with a heavenly hope], because your Father has approved of giving you the kingdom [rulership alongside the Christ] [caps added]
(John 10:16) And I [Jesus] have OTHER SHEEP, which are not of this fold; those also I must bring [to be subjects of the kingdom] [caps added]
Over whom will they rule? Over those "other sheep", the vast majority of mankind, most of whom will have been raised from the dead after Armageddon.
(John 11:23,24) Jesus said to her: “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him: “I know he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.”
(Acts 24:15) There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.
Until that resurrection, there is no suffering in "hell", or the grave. Sometime after the resurrection, death and "hell" will themselves be destroyed.
(Ecclesiastes 9:5) For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all
(Ecclesiastes 9:10) there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol ["hell"]
(Revelation 20:14) And death and Hades ["hell"] were hurled into the lake of fire
Almighty Jehovah God selects those few who have the heavenly calling from among godfearing worshippers, including many who were never Jehovah's Witnesses. Today, each true worshipper "feels" his own hope and each person's hope remains unquestioned by his fellow Christians. Still the vast majority (literally more than 99.9%*) of Jehovah's Witnesses expect an EARTHLY hope, the same hope given to Adam and Eve.
(Genesis 1:28) God blessed them and God said to them: “Be fruitful and become many and fill THE EARTH and subdue it [caps added]
(Genesis 2:17) You must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will positively die [so never eating from that tree means never dying]
Interestingly, the Scriptures are full of references to this earthly hope.
(Psalms 37:11) 'the meek will possess the earth'
(Proverbs 2:21) 'upright will reside in the earth'
(Isaiah 45:18) 'God formed the earth to be inhabited'
(Matthew 5:5) 'the mild will inherit the earth'
(Revelation 21:3) The tent of God is with mankind
Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/20020715/article_02.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20001001/article_02.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20001001/
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/
http://watchtower.org/e/pr/index.htm?article=article_04.htm
2007-05-09 17:26:37 · answer #10 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 6⤊ 2⤋
Their bible is different for sure. One only needs to start with John 1:1 to see that there is a difference. A very real difference.
2007-05-10 03:56:44 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋