False Teachers and Jehovah’s Witnesses In the second book of John, we learn how to handle folks like this. As well-intentioned as they may be, the Bible calls Jehovah’s Witnesses and other groups like them false teachers. “2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” 2 John 10:7 An antichrist? Really? Yep! Anyone who does not confess that Jesus is Lord and that He died on the cross for our sins is an antichrist. Sounds harsh when we think of people we love who are not saved, doesn’t it? Yet, anyone is an antichrist who does not believe in the full truth of Jesus Christ. This applies not just to average unsaved people or atheists, it means false teachers like Jehovah’s Witnesses too. In the first book of John (1 John), John instructs the church in Ephesus about the commandments of love and hospitality. By the second book, John warns us about being too hospitable, especially to false teachers. Though we are supposed to show kindness (note: not hostility! No matter how annoying or interrupting they be), we still must be careful and discerning to not go too far. The Trinity They Say: There is no Trinity Let God be True, p. 100-101; Make Sure of All Things p. 386. God Says: The doctrine of the Trinity is Biblically based. (Matthew 28:19; John 14:26; John 15:26; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2) The Holy Spirit They Say: The Holy Spirit is God's impersonal active force The Watchtower, June 1, 1952, p. 24 God Says: The Holy Spirit is not impersonal. (John 14:26; John 16:13; Acts 10:19) Jesus and Michael They Say: Jesus was Michael the archangel who became a man, Jehovah's first creation was his 'only-begotten Son' and was used by Jehovah in creating all other things Aid to Bible Understanding, pp. 390-391. The Watchtower, May 15, 1963, p. 307; The New Word, 284. God Says: Jesus is the Creator not a created being. (John 1:1-3; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:15-17) The Resurrection They Say: Jesus did not rise from the dead in his physical body Awake! July 22, 1973, p. 4. God Says: Jesus did rise in Body. (Luke 24:36; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8;John 20:24-29) The Cross They Say: Jesus did not die on a cross but on a stake The Truth Shall Make You Free, p. 300. God Says: Jesus was crucified on a cross. (John 19:17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:18) Those Who Will Be Saved They Say: Only their church members will be saved The Watchtower, Feb. 15, 1979, p. 30. God Says: Whoever believes that Jesus is Lord will be saved. (John 3:16 John 14:4-6; Romans 3:23-26) Hell They Say: There is no hell of fire where the wicked are punished Let God be True, p. 79, 60. God Says: All who deny Jesus as Lord will one day know first hand there is a Hell. (Matthew 25:41; Mark 9:44; Rev. 1:17-18; 20:10, 14-15; 21:8) Those Who Will Enter Heaven They Say: Only 144,000 Jehovah's Witness go to heaven Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 166-167, 361; Let God be True, p 121. God Says: All who believe that Jesus is Lord will enter into Heaven. (John 14:1-5, 23; Matthew 16:19) Here are some other beliefs they practice: Blood transfusions are a sin. The soul ceases to exist after death. They refuse to vote. They will not salute the flag. They will not sing the "Star Spangled Banner." They do not celebrate Christmas or birthdays. Their leadership will not allow them to serve in the armed forces. Those that leave the organization are known as apostates. Jehovah's Witnesses cannot talk to them or even greet them on the street. For many years it was taught that Blacks were that color as a result of God's curse on Canaan. Lying is part of "theocratic war strategy." A Jehovah's Witness can lie to someone if they are not entitled to know the truth. Periodically Jehovah's Witness doctrine will change. This is known as "new light." Are these the guidelines that an Awesome, Gracious, Merciful, Loving, All Knowing God, would give you? NOT! Jehovah's Witnesses are trained in the art of verbal battle. Do not engage them. Pray first and share the scriptures verse by verse, point by point. Share in stern love, you will disarm them. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 Defend Your Faith With The Word! All Scripture Is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy. 3:16