Jehovah's Witnesses: Who do you believe? The Bible or the Watchtower Society?

Question

If you believe the Watchtower Society over what the Bible says, do you ever feel that something is wrong, but you do not know what it is?

THA I do not agree that your Society sticks to Scriptures. If it did why are you not called Jesus' Witnesses?

Andy: Is it doing right that Witnesses do not accept the Savior? You are left uncertain about your salvation.

Debbo: I disagree. You teach a different Gospel than what is found in the New Testament.

Moises_...I think you are gambling with your life when you base your beliefs in something that is not found in the Bible. JWs uses Scriptures to back up their message that are totally out of context and do not even apply.

JR: If you do not believe that Jesus is the way, then you are not following the Bible message.

Rangedog: You have bought the lie that Jehovah is dispensing His truth on the earth, only through Jehovah's Witnesses. You have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

If you believe the Watchtower Society over the Bible, that is sad.

The New World Translation completely lacks credentials to qualify as the Bible translation . It was produced because it supported JWs' beliefs through inaccurate renderings.

Bill: Biblically I think that the JWs are the dog and swine

Hannah...Jesus never lied. Who ever twinsts His message is a liar.

Hannah: I appreciate our communication.

Jesus was not speking of a specific "servant" but generically of faithful servants and unfaithful ones. It is a mistake to conclude that, because of the definite article, one particular, identifiable "servant" ( wheter one person or an organizational entity composed of a "class" of persons ) is meant.

In Greek, as in English, the singular noun with the definite article ( "the" ) can be used generically. ( For example, in the sentence, " The wise person plans ahead," the experssion "the wise person" does not refer as a specific person. Nor does it refer to a "wise class" understood to be a specific group of persons known as "the wise persons". Rather it refers generically to anyone who is wise - if you prefer, the class of all those who are wise.

Hannah...continued: The fact that Jesus is speaking generically of faithful servants is clear from the context the context of whole parable. In vereses 48-51 Jesus speaks not about a single "evil servant class" entity but generically about any servant that proves to be evil.

See also the parallel version in Luke 12:41-48, where Jesus promises "that servant" happiness if he is faithful ( v.43 )but also threatens him with punishment if he is wicked ( vv.45-47 ).

Jesus is not telling believers to find the faithful servant and accept whatever it tells them as if it were from Jesus Himself. There is no suggestion that Christians are to submit meekly to whatever instruction ("food") is set before them by self-styled "servants". Rather, those in leadership positions are exhorted to be faithful in their ministry.

THA: Isaiah 43:10-11; 44:6,8 tells about God's nature. The Bible tells that there is only one true God. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are identified as distinct persons within the Godhead that shares the same essence of deity ( Matt 3:16-17, 2 Cor 13:14 (. Throughout the NT the Son and the Holy Spirit, as well as Father are separately identified as God. The attributes and prerogatives of Deity are ascribed to each ( Son Mark 2:5-12, John 20:28; Heb 18; Holy Spirit: Acts 5:3-4, 2 Cor 3:17-18 )

I understand thet JWs deny the tri-unity nature of God and teach that Satan inspires such a belief. You are taught that Jehovah, the name of the one true God, corresponds only to God the Father. I understand that JWs say also that Jesus is an angel, Michael.

Answer 1

This will help you out.

JW’s have their magazines, watchtower books, and the nwt which is a neutered satanic translation. These are additions to Scripture.

You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Deut. 4:2

Beware of the scribes. Luke 20:46

Jesus was Michael the archangel who became a man, The Watchtower, May 15,
1963, p. 307; The New World, 284.

Scripture says…

For to which of the angels did He ever say: “ You are My Son. Heb. 1:5

Jesus was only a perfect man, not God in flesh, Reasoning from the Scriptures,
1985, pp. 306.

Scripture says…

For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 2 John 7

Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 2 John 9

And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Ex. 3:14

Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” John 8:58

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Phil. 2:5-8

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Gal. 4:4-5

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. Heb. 2:9

For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Col. 2:9

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

There is no Trinity, Let God be True, p. 100-101; Make Sure of All Things, p.386.

Scripture says…

Then God said, “Let Us make man in OUR image, according to OUR likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Gen. 1:26

I and the Father are one. John 10:30

For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. 1 John 5:7

Good works are necessary for salvation, Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 1,
pp. 150, 152.
Salvation is by faith and what you do, Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 1, pp.
150,152.

Scripture says…

But we are all like an unclean thing,
And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags;
We all fade as a leaf,
And our iniquities, like the wind,
Have taken us away. Isaiah 64:6

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Eph. 2:8-9

It is possible to lose your salvation, Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp.
358-359.

Scripture says…

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Eph. 2:8-9

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29

The Holy Spirit is a force, not alive, Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp.
406-407.

Scripture says…

1. Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the Holy Spirit is an active force like radar. They deny that He is alive, that He is a person. This is, of course, because they deny the Trinity. Yet, if the Holy Spirit is simply a force then...
1. Why is He called God (Acts 5:3-5)?
2. How is it that He can teach (John 14:26)?
3. How can He be blasphemed (Matt. 12:31,32)?
4. How can be the one who comforts (Acts 9:31)?
5. How is it possible for Him to speak (Acts 28:25)?
6. How then can He be resisted (Acts 7:51)?
7. How can He be grieved (Eph. 4:30)?
8. How can He help us in our weaknesses (Rom. 8:26)?
2. If the Holy Spirit is a force, then how is it possible that the above mentioned phenomena are attributed to Him? A force doesn't speak, teach, comfort, etc.
3. Nor can you blaspheme against a force.

There is no hell of fire where the wicked are punished, Let God be True, p. 79, 80.

Scripture says…

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Rev. 21:8

Luke 16:19-31

In no way, shape, or form does JW doctrine align with the Bible.

And the LORD said to me, “The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart. Jer. 14:14

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. Gal. 1:6-9

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. 2 Cor. 11:13-15

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 Pet. 2:1

Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,
But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. Prov. 20:17

Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. Matt. 22:29

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16-17

To JW’s

Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth? Gal. 4:16

Answer 2

The Gang is all here..good to see all of you are here...Jehovah's Witnesses can not separate Biblical theology from Watchtower theology until they get the Watchtower doctrine out of their Bible written by Watchtower governing body....

They do not use the KJV. or the NIV and thus do not see the inconsistencies in the bible that the do use...
Also, They believe that the WBTS is Gods mouthpiece for their interpretation of the Gospel.
Witnesses believe that you can not come to a proper understanding of scripture without their material...Other denominations do not feel the same way.

Answer 3

Hello Nina. The Bible is, of course, the inspired word of God. The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Inc. is a publishing company incorporated to publish Bibles and Bible literature. However, on the chance that you mean that body of men referred to as the “faithful and discreet slave . . .”

I also will ask you one thing. If you tell it to me, I also will tell you. The Bible teaching that the master would assign a “faithful and wise servant” over his household to give them meat in due season: from what source is this teaching? From Christ Jesus or from men? If you say it is from men, why did the Master Christ Jesus lie? If this teaching is from the Master Christ Jesus, why do you not believe him? If you believe the inspired record of Matthew and you believe Christ Jesus made such an assignment, whom do YOU identify as the faithful and wise servant?

Hannah J Paul

EDIT:

Thank you, Nina, for the update and for the head’s up you provided to me by e-mail. Since we agree that Jesus did not lie, then you accept his words at Matthew 24:42-47 that he assigned a faithful and wise servant, yes? That being so, the logical question follows: who is that servant? You ask whom do Witnesses believe: the Bible or the Watchtower. Again, I assume by Watchtower, you mean those to whom we refer as the slave. If the slave is truly comprised of anointed Witnesses, as we believe, then that slave is dispensing meat in due season by several means, including, but not limited to, publishing Bible journals and books. So then the real question is: what is the identity of that servant. To deny that Jesus made such an assignment would be a twisting of his message concerning same. I do agree with you that such is bad. So you must believe there is such a servant. Whom do you identify as that servant?

Answer 4

simple, cause always talk about the same topic of the bible:God´s kingdom also every article has between 50-80 verse of the bible to support the information so we can see where in the bible says what we are reading.

for example: the book "what does the bible really teach" uses 991 quoted from the bible and it is 5 times smaller than the book of Rick Warren that used 1000 verse of the bible.
so in proportion use "5 times more the bible" that Rick warren´´s book .

If the bible is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16) and the books are made quoting intensive the bible then should be true.

"Scriptures to back up their message that are totally out of context and do not even apply"
and why do I have to accept your interpretation of the bible as right and what we have as wrong, why?

Answer 5

Honestly this is similar to the question, who do you serve, Jesus or Jehovah? That question and this one is not reasonable, and they both have the same answer.

Both. They Work Together.

John 17:20-22
20 “I make request, not concerning these only, but also concerning those putting faith in me through their word, 21 so that they may all be one,+ just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us, so that the world may believe that you sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you have given me, in order that they may be one just as we are one.

Answer 6

There is not another Bible society that does the intense research the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society does.

About 35 yrs ago, the Moody Bible Institute challenged the WBTS to a debate. The WBTS said 'sure, but first, answer these 30 simple bible questions and we'll do it.'

The Moody Bible Institute could not answer the questions, and the debate never occurred.

Friend, your not going to understand the Bible without help.

Bottom line, most kids of Jehovah's Witnesses know more about the Bible than most of Christendom's preachers, much less their sheep.

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is the best help you can find.

Answer 7

Bible

Jesus’ disciples are to use discernment in connection with other people, for he says: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, neither throw your pearls before swine.” The truths from God’s Word are holy. They are like figurative pearls. But if some individuals, who are like dogs or swine, show no appreciation for these precious truths, Jesus’ disciples should leave those people and seek out those who are more receptive.

Answer 8

Since the Watchtower only quotes the bible as it's authority,

There is no need to choose.

Who did Jesus witness about?
Who did Jesus tell us to worship?

Rev 1: 4 John to the seven congregations that are in the [district of] Asia:

May YOU have undeserved kindness and peace from “The One who is and who was and who is coming,” and from the seven spirits that are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, “the Faithful Witness,”

.

Answer 9

I believe in the Bible, and by extension I believe that the WB&TS publishes wonderful Bible based materials to help people glean more out of the Bible and to help people be able to apply Bible principles, that were written thousands of years ago, to our current day.

Answer 10

We don't believe the Watchtower Society over the Bible - we believe the Watchtower Society teaches the truth about the Bible.

Nina
I do believe Jesus is the way. Many doctrines you support are not found in the Bible, and they are easily exposed with the Word of God. If anyone is taking versus out of context is not us, because I seen many trinitarians take versus out of context to support their doctrine (Example: John 10:30 vs John 17:20-23). The King James Version adds words to the Bible that are not found in the Greek Manuscripts, and they also remove Gods name out of the New Testament and replace it with Lord and God.

Edit: If you think our beliefs are not found in the Bible, well, I can always prove our beliefs with the Word of God.

Answer 11

I would never believe the Society over the Bible. Right now they seem to get everything right, but if they started asking me to do things against the Bible I would stop.