A Closer Look at Jehovah’s Witnesses Beliefs About Jesus Christ

Jehovah’s Witnesses are a religious group known for their door-to-door evangelism and rejection of holidays like Christmas and Easter. However, their beliefs about Jesus Christ are perhaps the most distinctive aspect of their faith. Unlike mainstream Christianity, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not view Jesus as divine, but rather as a created being. Let’s take a closer look at their beliefs and their implications for their followers.

Theology of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Before delving into their beliefs about Jesus, it’s important to understand Jehovah’s Witnesses’ overall theology. They believe in one God, whom they call “Jehovah,” and reject the concept of a Trinity. They also deny that the Holy Spirit is a person, but rather view it as a force. Jehovah’s Witnesses derive their beliefs from a literal interpretation of the Bible and claim that their teachings are the only true interpretation of scripture.

Who is Jesus Christ According to Jehovah’s Witnesses?

According to their beliefs, Jesus is the first and highest created being, known as the “firstborn of all creation.” They reject the idea that Jesus is God and deny that he was ever worshipped as such during his life on earth. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus was created as an archangel by Jehovah and later came to earth as a human to fulfill God’s plan of salvation.

Interestingly, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus was not crucified on a cross, but on a stake, as they consider the cross to be a pagan symbol. They also believe that Jesus was resurrected as a spirit creature, rather than having a physical body. This belief sets them apart from traditional Christianity, which teaches that Jesus was bodily resurrected.

Currently, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus is ruling as the king of God’s kingdom and is responsible for judging and reigning over the earth. They also believe that Jesus will soon return to earth, marking the end of the world as we know it. After that, they believe that only a select few believers will be saved and will live forever on a paradise earth, while all other humans will be annihilated.

Implications of their Beliefs

Jehovah’s Witnesses’ beliefs about Jesus Christ have significant implications for their followers. Firstly, their rejection of traditional Christian doctrines like the Trinity and the deity of Christ puts them at odds with the majority of Christians. This can create tension and conflict between Jehovah’s Witnesses and other Christians, making it difficult to engage in interfaith dialogue.

Secondly, Jehovah’s Witnesses’ emphasis on evangelism and door-to-door preaching stems from their belief in their teachings as the only true interpretation of the Bible. While this can be admirable, it can also lead to unwanted proselytizing and a perception of the group as pushy or aggressive.

Finally, their belief in a select group of believers saved and others annihilated creates a strong incentive to evangelize and share their message with as many people as possible. This can lead to a sense of urgency and a strong commitment to their faith among Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Conclusion

While Jehovah’s Witnesses’ beliefs about Jesus Christ are at odds with traditional Christianity, understanding them is crucial to engage in respectful dialogue and foster understanding between different faiths. Their beliefs have significant implications for their followers, and it’s essential to recognize these and respect their perspective.