Explorations Class #27 

Jehovah's Witnesses: Summary

Charles Taze Russell founded the Bible Students in 1850. He had earlier rejected all religion because he could not bring himself to believe that a loving God could create a place of fiery punishment for the wicked. When a doctrine of hell which rejected never-ending punishment came his way, he returned to religion. However, he subjected every doctrine he examined to the lens of his sensibilities. He was unwilling to consider any Bible teaching which conflicted with his presuppositions.

1. Does God expect us to use our own logic when studying the Bible? Is there any limit on the use of human logic? (1 Thess 5:21, Is 55:8-9)

2. Russell's logical constructs led him to believe that Jesus is not God. Is it important for us to work to convert JW's to belief in Christ as God? (John 8:24, 2 John 7-11)

3. Is Jesus God? (John 1:1)

4. JW's teach that Jesus simply paid for one perfect life lost (Adam's) on the cross. A single perfect life was all that needed to be paid for. What does this say about the sins of the rest of us? Do we bear any individual responsibility for our sins? (Hebrews 9:11-15, James 2:10) If any sins other than Adam's require atonement, can the sacrifice of a perfect man accomplish that atonement?

5. JW's teach that the Holy Spirit was merely a force, rather than a person and part of the Trinity. Is the Holy Spirit a person and God? (John 16:13, Matt 12:31-32)

6. JW's teach that Jesus was resurrected as a spirit. What was Jesus' physical nature after the resurrection? (John 2:18-21, Luke 24:39) Does he still have a body? (Col 2:9, 1 Tim 2:5)

7. JW's teach that there will be two separate groups of saints, with different status in the kingdom. One group is to remain in heaven with Jesus and reign as kings and priests, and the others remain on earth. How many groups of saints are there? (John 10:16) Where will they live? (Rev 21:1-4)

8. JW's teach that the return of Christ to his kingdom is an invisible event, in keeping with their belief that Jesus was resurrected as a spirit. What is the true nature of the second coming? (1 Thess 4:13-17, Rev 1:6)

9. Are JW's Christian?

10. What have JW's done to the gospel?