Jehovah's Witnesses are relatively unique among self-described Christians in that they understand the Scriptures to teach that God's Kingdom by Christ Jesus is a real government which will soon replace all earthly governments.
(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
That Kingdom will rule over 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
While a limitted number of humans will be resurrected to heaven to share in ruling over mankind, 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/lmn/index.htm?article=article_10.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/rq/index.htm?article=article_06.htm
http://jw-media.org/beliefs/trueworship.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/
http://watchtower.org/e/dg/index.htm?article=article_11.htm
2007-08-02 08:38:17
·
answer #1
·
answered by achtung_heiss 7
·
2⤊
1⤋
There are quite a few misunderstandings about what Jehovah's Witnesses believe.
Mung-Tzu: We do believe that Jesus is the Messiah and by means of his ransom we have the hope of everlasting life.
John 17:3
Misty Eyes: We do believe that Jesus is the Son of God. The Muslims are the ones who believe Jesus was a prophet.
Annette S: We do give gifts all the time, just not for holidays and birthdays. When we are out going door to door we dress appropriate for representing Jehovah God. I don't think too many men wear three piece suits anymore.
Kait: Please see James 2: 18-26 verse 26 clearly states "Indeed, as the body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead."
Acts 26:20 "by doing works that befit repentance"
1 Th 5:13 "consideration because of their works"
Titus 2:14 "people zealous for fine works"
Heb 10:24 "incite to love and fine works"
Christian Soldier: We have not added to the bible and do not use any written word over the bible. We have bible study aids as do all religions. The Catholic Church has it's own encyclopedia.
Dr. 8'11s: We do believe that the 144,000 is a chosen number of those who will rule with Jesus as kings and priest over the earth. See Rev 20:6 & Rev. 5:10, Rev. 7:4 & Rev. 14: 1
Rev. 7:9 speaks of a "great crowd" that will survive armeggedon. They are the "meek" who will possess the earth in abundance of peace" and "will reside forever upon it."
Ps 37: 10 & 11 & 29 Man was created for the earth, the earth will be here forever. If everyone goes to heaven or hell who will be the "meek" on the earth? See the hope for the earth at Is 11: 6-9; Is 65: 21-25; Is 35: 5-7; Is 33:24; Ps 72:16; Rev. 21: 3 & 4; Dan 2:44; Rev 7: 9; Ecc 1:4; Is 45:18; Ps 104:5; Rev. 11:18b
John: How can we be secretive when we are the ones out sharing what we believe the bible teaches and everyone is always welcome to attend our Kingdom Hall.
As far as some of the difference between the two religions.
We do not believe in the Trinity Doctrine, or the Hellfire Doctrine or the Immortality of the Soul Doctrine.
Some scriptural basis: Trinity: John 14:28; John 10:30; Jhon 17:21 & 22; John 6:38; John 7:16; Col 1:15; 1 John 4:9; Acts 7: 55 &56; John 17:3; Matt 3: 16 &17; Heb. 11:17; Matt 24:36-39
Hellfire: Ecc 9:5 & 6:10; Ps 146:4; Ro. 6:23; John 5:28 & 29; Acts 24:15: 1 Cor. 15: 24-26
Immortality of the soul: Ez 18:4; Gen 2:7; 1 Cor. 15: 45; 1 Pet 3:20.
I have a Aunt who is Baptist and was visiting, another vistore said we don't believe in hell, my sister in law says, "Oh, we believe in hell, we just don't agree on the temperature." I thought that was funny and true. We believe the bible teaches that hell is the common grave of mankind and not a place of fiery torment.
2007-08-03 05:27:33
·
answer #2
·
answered by Anonymous
·
1⤊
1⤋
ohhh, your starting some thing here...LOL ... ok let me see if I can do this with out hogging too much space.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are an international religious organization that rejects much of modern mainstream Christianity in favor of what they believe is a restored form of first-century Christianity.
J.W. do not take part in earthly things such as going to war, and even some medical practices, they dont vote, they dont celebrate any day but one and it's some time in easter, and many other things. Jesus never told us we cant celebrate holidays or our B-day's but J.W say he never said we could either, so they dont.
-------------------------------------
Baptist is a term describing individuals belonging to a Baptist church or a Baptist denomination. The name comes from the conviction that followers of Jesus Christ are commanded to be immersed in water as a public display of their faith, and thus most adherents reject infant baptism.
---------------------------------------
ok this can go on forever so I have to stop here, but if you really want to learn you should read about it your self because you will get a million different answers and you wont know what is true or not until you read it your self.
Good luck.
2007-08-01 16:08:08
·
answer #3
·
answered by Me 4
·
2⤊
1⤋
There are many incorrect answers about JWs so I'll try to clear up a few.
1st. Jesus is the Son of God. - Mar 1:1, Mat 26:63, Jhn 9:35
2nd. Jesus is a Deity. - John 1:1
3rd. Resurrection - 1Cr 15:13, Col 3:1
4th. The three Heavens. - 2Cr 12:2
5th Hell - Act 2:31
6th. Preach about God's kingdom - Mat 10:7
7th. 144,000 Christ Anointed - Rev 14:1,3
8th. Earth was made to dwell on it. - Psalm 37:29
2007-08-03 03:58:58
·
answer #4
·
answered by keiichi 6
·
2⤊
1⤋
The beliefs and doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses are based on the intense Biblical studies. According to "The Watchtower" August 15, 1950, page 263 “The Watchtower does not claim to be inspired in its utterances, nor is it dogmatic.” [1] [2] They believe that the Bible is the inspired, infallible word of God. Principal is the doctrine of sola scriptura, that is, only the Bible should be used for deciding issues of doctrine. The interpretation and application of scripture is the responsibility of the Governing Body. These ones represent the Faithful and Discreet Slave and are being directed by Jesus Christ.[10] All members are expected to abide by the doctrines and organizational requirements as determined by the Governing Body.Jehovah's Witnesses commemorate Christ's death as a ransom or propitiatory sacrifice by observing The Lord's Evening Meal, or Memorial, each year on Nisan 14 according to the ancient Jewish calendar. As the date is calculated from the moon calendar, the corresponding Gregorian Date changes every year. For 2007, this date fell on April 2th. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that this is the only celebration commanded for Christians in the Bible. In support, they often cite Jesus' words found at 1 Corinthians 11:24, 25, NWT, "'Keep doing this ... in remembrance of me.'" Of those who attend the Memorial a small minority worldwide will partake of the eating of the unleavened bread and the drinking of the wine. (For statistics of the number of partakers in relationship to non-partakers
Jehovah's Witnesses had their modern-day start in the 1870's. At first, they were called Bible Students. But in 1931 they adopted the Scriptural name Jehovah's Witnesses. (Isaiah 43:10) From small beginnings the organization has grown to millions of Witnesses, who are busy preaching in more than 230 lands.
2. Most congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses have meetings three times each week. You are invited to attend any of these.The Bible is the basis for what is taught. Meetings are opened and closed with prayer. Heartfelt "spiritual songs" are also sung at most meetings.
3. Most congregations hold meetings in a Kingdom Hall. These are usually simple structures built by Witness volunteers. You will not see any images, crucifixes, or things like these at the Kingdom Hall. Expenses are paid for by voluntary donations. For those who wish to make a donation,
In each congregation, there are elders, or overseers. They take the lead in teaching in the congregation.
Jehovah's Witnesses also hold large assemblies or conventions each year. At these times many congregations come together for a special program of Bible instruction. Baptism of new disciples is a regular part of each assembly or convention program.—
Baptist
Baptist churches do not have a central governing authority. Therefore, beliefs are not totally consistent from one Baptist church to another, especially beliefs that may be considered minor. However, on major theological issues, Baptist distinctive beliefs are held in common among almost all Baptist churches. Baptists share so-called "orthodox" Christian beliefs with most other moderate or conservative Christian denominations. These would include beliefs about one God, virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, vicarious atoning death, burial, and bodily resurrection of Christ, the Trinity (the divinity of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, together with God the Father), the need for salvation (though the understanding of means for achieving it may differ at times), grace, the church, the Kingdom of God, last things (Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge everyone in righteousness), evangelism and missions. Some historically significant Baptist doctrinal documents include the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, the 1833 New Hampshire Baptist Confession of Faith,
2007-08-02 05:51:42
·
answer #5
·
answered by boyzmadison 3
·
2⤊
1⤋
Oh My Gosh!!! Moises a sheep among wolves! From what the wolves are saying I best stay on Moises side. I would love to see a beautiful earth with no hatred, hunger, sorrow, and sickness. In this corrupt, sinful world; it's like music to my ears to have someone tell me what a beautiful place this earth will become. How everyone will have love and compassion for all. The best part I love the most is, I get to finally experience being by Jesus not only spiritually but physically. Totally cleansed and healed by God. Now come on you guys, how can one talk against a Christian that gives you HOPE for your future; a Christian that is showing you much love. Moises is telling you don't look forward only to death, but look forward to a everlasting life with Jesus! I can't find it in my heart to be against anyone like that.
2007-08-01 17:45:03
·
answer #6
·
answered by Debs 5
·
2⤊
1⤋
Jehovah's Witnesses, although they claim to be Christian, do not believe Jesus claimed to be God, that, in my opinion, excludes them from the Christian religion. The Other differences pale in comparison but include, abstaining from blood products (even life saving transfusion), not celebrating holidays (Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Birthdays). They believe 144,000 people go to Heaven (sorry, not you, they are all Witnesses) The religion is still quite male dominated (women cannot 'teach' in homes when Witness men are presant, unless covered. ) And, of course, they are well versed in the Jehovah's Witness bible (it is completely beyond me why they still use the name Jehovah when it is well known that Jehovah is a mistranslation of Yahweh).
Oh, and they're bound to be at a home near you, Watchtower and Awake in hand, to tell you anything you want to know.
2007-08-01 16:01:47
·
answer #7
·
answered by Dr 8'lls 4
·
2⤊
2⤋
Jehovah's Witnesses are people who think that their god is the only god there is. They don't believe in Christmas, birthday's, or any other holiday's. The reason I know this is my mom is a Jehovah's Witnesses. And they believe that there is only 144000 people that is going to go to heaven. They do not believe in the cross and that the son of god did not die on the cross. I hope this answered your question.
2007-08-01 16:01:43
·
answer #8
·
answered by amcan1952 1
·
2⤊
1⤋
I'm Baptist too, and I was just reading a Jehovah's Witness book today. they believe that there is no such thing as spiritual resurrection. They don't believe in heaven or hell. They think if you're one of them, you are either good enough to co-rule with Jehovah in some new heavenly world (144000) qualify, or you are physically resurrected on a new paradise world. They also deny the Deity of Christ. They agree that He is the Son of God, but not God. We as Baptists disagree with this because of Scriptures like Col. 2:9 and John 1:1. Hope this helps.
2007-08-01 15:52:31
·
answer #9
·
answered by Anonymous
·
3⤊
5⤋
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.
2007-08-01 15:55:14
·
answer #10
·
answered by Freedom 7
·
3⤊
3⤋