Christianity vs. Jehovah's Witnesses

Galatians 1:6-9

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently, some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!

History of Jehovah’s Witnesses

The religion was started by a man named Charles Taze Russell, who did not like the Biblical subjects of Hell, Eternal Judgement, and the Trinity.

1870: Charles Taze Russell started a Bible study group that questioned mainstream Christian beliefs and focused on biblical prophecy.

1879: Russell began publishing Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence to share his teachings and interpretations.

1881: The Zion’s Watch Tower Tract Society was formed to distribute religious literature.

1884: The society was officially incorporated, and Russell became its first president.

1914: Russell predicted significant biblical prophecies would be fulfilled, marking a momentous year in their eschatology.

1916: Charles Taze Russell passed away, and Joseph Franklin Rutherford succeeded him as president.

1931: The group adopted the name “Jehovah’s Witnesses” to distinguish themselves from other Christian denominations.

1942: Nathan H. Knorr became president, emphasizing international growth and formal training for members.

1950: The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures was introduced, providing their own version of the Bible.

1960s onward: Jehovah’s Witnesses expanded globally, focusing on door-to-door evangelism and adherence to unique doctrines.

Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Statements & beliefs

  • No, he is a false prophet.

    Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - “But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, is to be put to death.” 21 You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?” 22 If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed.”

  • 2 Corinthians 11:2-4 -I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. 3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.”

  • The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom [Watchtower] is the main religious magazine published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. It is a key publication for disseminating their (heretical) teachings, biblical interpretations, and religious beliefs.

    2 Timothy 3:16-17 - “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

  • Acts 5:3-4 “Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

  • Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.”

  • Revelation 7:9 “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.”

  • Luke 16:19-31 “…24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’”

    Luke 12:4-5 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”

    Revelation 20:10 “And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

  • Revelation 22:13 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

  • Luke 24:38-43  “He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.”

  • Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

    Matthew 1:23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”).”

    John 1:3 “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”

    John 1:18  “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.”

    Philippians 2:10-11 “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Apologetics Resources for Christians

  • Mitchell Ward shares YouTube videos informing believers and unbelievers about what the Bible says about hot cultural topics.

  • Always Be Ready (ABR) by Charlie Campbell is a Christian apologetics ministry dedicated to equipping Christians to answer atheists, skeptics, and people in false religions and cults.

  • Cross Examined is a non-profit ministry started in 2006 by Frank Turek and other Christian apologists. It addresses how Christians can address complex topics, especially as a young person, in grace and love. Visit their YouTube channel.