Governor Andrew Cuomo Commits Blasphemy against God.

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Revelation 13:6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

It’s truly a sad day when we see how sinful mankind is, here we are smack dab in the middle of a global pandemic. People are dying by the truck loads, world wide according to the Wikipedia’s Template:2019–20 coronavirus pandemic data chart which has live updates, we now have 2,310,572 confirmed cases worldwide.

In the epicenter of this pandemic New York, there’s 236,732 in New York State confirmed with COVID-19, New York City bears a little more than half of that number tallying 131,263 and has resulted in 8,893 death thus far.

You would think this would wake people up to the fact of sin in the world. That individuals hearts would be open and there are those whose hearts have been opened to the fact that one day we all will be faced with death. None of us are immortal and have an appointment with death which we cannot change.

And while the numbers of deaths continue to climb due to COVID-19 New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo said this:

“The number is down because we brought the number down.” And emphasized: “God did not do that. Faith did not do that. Destiny did not do that. A lot of pain and suffering did that . . . That’s how it works. It’s math. And if you don’t continue to do that, you’re going to see that number go back up. And that will be a tragedy if that number goes back up.”

Andrew Cuomo Governor of New York

Here’s a man who has blasphemed God, who has undermined people’s faith in the God who can save people from this pandemic. If Andrew Cuomo has no belief in God that’s his choice but to come out on a public forum a try to denounce the God who made you.

All of the things he enjoy’s car, home, political career as well as having a family, health and financial stability how are these things possible without God? Andrew Cuomo is not exempt from sin, he also needs the living Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ. Andrew Cuomo not only spoke blasphemous against the LORD GOD our Creator, Cuomo has also advocated for abortion rights signing the expanded abortion rights into law.

Cuomo made this statement towards the Catholic church in regards to abortion “The Catholic Church does not believe in a woman’s right to choose. Yes, I understand their religious view, I’m not here to legislate religion.” As a Christian I don’t agree with the unbiblical teachings of the Catholic church but I agree that abortion is murder and Cuomo is an advocator for the killing of babies.

Many of us have taken all that God has given us for granted, and because of man’s pride and sinful nature the nation has become ungodly by the day. By the removing of God from our schools, the open celebrations of homosexuality and pride parades; and by neglecting to teach our children the word of God. By the secular universities which teach evolution and the growing religion of atheism. This world has become a dark place.

Andrew Cuomo doesn’t realise it now but there’s coming a day when he will have to stand before the God of the universe to give an account for all he’s said and done. And for his sake I hope he does it as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and not as a secular humanist.

It’s up to Christians everywhere to continue to pray for all those people who lost their loved ones, those who are providing medical help in hospitals. For the homeless who are on the streets hungry and fully exposed to this disease, for police who are trying to keep order, for MTA workers keeping transportation running, for supermarket workers providing available food.

We need to continue to pray for America, Canada, Italy and all the countries of the world. People need God more than ever and nows the time for us to pray that they would seek the Lord while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6-7)

The word of God says in 2 Chronicles.

2 Chronicles 7:14-16 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer [that is made] in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

Let us pray for Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo as well. God bless

Watchtower Flip Flops (Worship Jesus)

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn Jehovah WitnessesLeave a comment

The Watchtower taught to worship Jesus until 1954, afterwards they changed their beliefs saying to worship Jesus Christ was idolatrous. Now The Jehovah Witness religion is in reality a polytheistic religion claiming Jesus is not God but a god.

Most Jehovah Witnesses are ignorant of the history of the Watchtower and what they taught. Charles Taze Russell taught the worship of Jesus Christ in the initial Watchtower Charter’s. In the 1950’s and onward worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ became viewed as idolatry.

First, we have to understand what Paul meant here by worship. He used the Greek word pro·sky·neʹo. Unger’s Bible Dictionary says that this word literally means to ‘kiss the hand of someone in token of reverence or to do homage.’ An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, says that this word “denotes an act of reverence, whether paid to man . . . or to God.” In Bible times pro·sky·neʹo often included literally bowing down before someone of high stature.

Is It Proper to Worship Jesus? Awake! April 8, 2000

προσκυνέω proskynéō, pros-koo-neh’-o; from G4314 and a probable derivative of G2965 (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand); to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore):—worship.

  1. to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence
  2. among the Orientals, esp. the Persians, to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence
  3. in the NT by kneeling or prostration to do homage (to one) or make obeisance, whether in order to express respect or to make supplication
    1. used of homage shown to men and beings of superior rank
      1. to the Jewish high priests
      2. to God
      3. to Christ
      4. to heavenly beings
      5. to demons

The Watchtower changed the word “worship” which all bibles use in order to show Jesus Christ is to be worshipped as God, and replaced it with “obeisance” in the verses which speaks about Christ deity.

Here are Watchtower quotes which prove they used to teach to worship Jesus Christ as God.

“Question. The fact that our Lord received worship is claimed by some to be an evidence that while on earth he was God the Father disguised in a body of flesh and not really a man. Was he really worshiped, or is the translation faulty? Answer. Yes, we believe our Lord Jesus while on earth was really worshiped, and properly so. It was proper for our Lord to receive worship in view of his having been the only begotten of the Father and his agent in the creation of all things, including man.”

Zion’s Watch Tower 1898 Jul 15 p.216

Russell’s understanding of who the Lord Jesus Christ is was incorrect because he thought Jesus was God the Father. That aside Russell did teach Jesus was to be worshipped. When Russell died the new president Joseph Franklin Rutherford continued teaching the same.

“Jehovah God commands all to worship Christ Jesus because Christ Jesus is the express image of his Father, Jehovah, and because he is the Executive Officer of Jehovah always carrying out Jehovah’s purpose (Heb.:3-6).”

Watchtower 1939 Nov 15 p.339

In the 1950’s, the Watchtower organisation changed their teaching on Jesus to correspond with their manipulated the New World Translation. In opposition to other scholarly translations, the Jehovah Witness “bible” translates the word proskuneō as obeisance rather than worship when pertaining to Jesus Christ. Every other occurrence, in the New World Translation translates the word proskuneō as worship.

“Should we worship Jesus? Consequently, since the Scriptures teach that Jesus Christ is not a trinitarian co-person with God the Father, but is a distinct person, the Son of God, the answer to the above question must be that no distinct worship is to be rendered to Jesus Christ now glorified in heaven. Our worship is to go to Jehovah God. However, we show the proper regard for God’s only-begotten Son by rendering our worship to God through and in the name of Jesus Christ. Even now when we kneel in prayer, as Paul did according to Ephesians 3:14-19, we offer prayer in the name of Jesus Christ in obedience to his own directions (John 15:16; 16:23-26), but the prayer itself is addressed, not to Jesus, but to God his Father. In this way we keep things in their relative positions.”

Watchtower 1954 Jan 1 p.31

With all the flip flops in doctrine we can clearly see that the Watchtower is not being used by God in anyway. We have verse upon verse which proves the Lord Jesus is to be worshipped as God.

Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Luke 24:49-52 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

John 9:38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

Hebrews 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

It’s abundantly clear the Lord Jesus Christ is worthy of all our praise and worship as God. God bless.

Awake No. 2 2020 | 5 Questions About Suffering Answered

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn Jehovah WitnessesLeave a comment

Apocalyptic groups use fear tactics in order to spread panic in order to gain more followers. Once such group is the Watchtower organisation. This global pandemic is a gold mine for them. Some of the grandiose claims made by the Jehovah Witnesses is astounding, quotes stating to join their organisation for salvation.

“Come to Jehovah’s organization for salvation” Watchtower 1981 Nov 15 p.212

‘Stay Awake and Keep Your Senses’ The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom—1981

Instead of leading people to the only One who can save the Lord Jesus Christ, the Watchtower would direct you to their organisation for salvation. Does this sound right what does the Bible say about salvation?

Psalm 3:8 Salvation [belongeth] unto the LORD: thy blessing [is] upon thy people. Selah.

Isaiah 52:10 The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

The Bible says salvation belongs to the LORD God not an organisation (Watchtower). With that said lets look at some of the content of the new Awake magazine.

As mentioned earlier apocalyptic groups will use fear as a catalyst to gain membership and will offer themselves as a “saviour” but as we’ve just seen only Christ Jesus alone is the Saviour. Here are the topics listed in the latest Awake.

1 Is God to Blame for Our Suffering? – People have been deceived by teachings that misrepresent God. What is the truth?
2 Are We to Blame for Our Own Suffering? – If the answer is yes, then it might be in our power to reduce our suffering.
3 Why Do Good People Suffer? – The Bible helps us to understand the answer.
4 Were We Meant to Suffer? – Would a God who created such beauty in the world consign us to a life of suffering? If not, what went wrong?
5 Will Suffering Ever End? – The Bible tells us exactly how God will eliminate suffering.
Help Is Available – Even if our problems seem unsolvable, there is a reliable guide that can help.

After reading these titles can you see a common theme? I’ll give you a hint the common theme is suffering. The Watchtower thrives on catastrophic events and will lay claim that they “predicted” the event.

According to many experts, it is not a question of if such a vicious flu virus will return but of when and how it will return. In fact, some expect a significant new influenza outbreak every 11 years or so and a severe one approximately every 30 years. According to these predictions, mankind is overdue for another pandemic. The medical journal Vaccine reported in 2003: “It has been 35 years since the last influenza pandemic, and the longest interval between pandemics recorded with certainty is 39 years.” The article continued: “The pandemic virus may emerge in China or a nearby country and could include surface antigens or virulence factors derived from animal influenza viruses.” The Vaccine article predicted concerning the virus: “It will spread rapidly throughout the world. Several waves of infection will occur. Morbidity will be extensive in all age groups, and there will be widespread disruption of social and economic activity in all countries.

Awake!  |  December 22, 2005 pp 8-9

They took information from a medical “The medical journal Vaccine reported in 2003” and made it seem as the Watchtower predicted this current global pandemic. The quote from the The medical journal Vaccine was a hypothetical question put forth by the journal. It was not a prediction.

Another failed prophecy by the Watchtower is the claimed prediction of WW1.

“When in 1914 C.E. the 2,520 years of the Gentile Times ended for the Gentile nations to trample on Jerusalem’s right to a Messianic kingship in the royal line of David, the Most High God Jehovah installed the Messiah Jesus on the heavenly throne in order to reign and go subduing among his enemies. (Psalm 110:1-6; Acts 2:34-36; Hebrews 10:12, 13) During World War I (1914-1918 C.E.) the dedicated, baptized remnant of spiritual Israelites publicly proclaimed that the Gentile Times had ended and that the Most High God had made his Son Jesus Christ reigning King in the heavens.”

 Paradise Restored to Mankind – By Theocracy! (1972) p.273

“Why, then, do the nations not realize and accept the approach of this climax of judgment? It is because they have not heeded the world wide advertising of Christ’s return and his second Presence. Since long before World War I Jehovah’s witnesses pointed to 1914 as the time for this great event to occur.”

Watchtower 1954 Jun 15 p.370

This is exactly what a doomsday cult does they use fear in order to recruit and keep their members by telling them they need to associate with the organization in order to have salvation.

In one of the subjects “God rejects religion that misrepresents him.” Here’s what the Watchtower had to say: “This includes religions that teach that God causes our suffering and those that are involved with warfare and violence.” they go on to quote a verse from Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 14:14 “The prophets are prophesying lies in my [God’s] name. I have not sent them or commanded them or spoken to them. A lying vision and . . . the deceit of their own heart is what they are prophesying to you.”​.

Is God to Blame for Our Suffering?

It’s quite ironic that a group who’s well known for multiple false prophecies would point to a verse which speaks against the very thing they are doing themselves. Just to list a few of their false prophecies.

1799 LAST DAYS BEGIN – 1914 THE END OF THE WORLD.
“The careful student will have observed that the period designated ‘The Time of the End’ is very appropriately named, since not only does the Gospel age close in it, but in it, also, all prophesies relating to the close of this age terminate, reaching their fulfillments. The same class of readers will have noticed, too, the special importance of the last 40 of these 115 years (1874-1914), called ‘The End’ or ‘Harvest.'”

Studies in the Scriptures Series III – Thy Kingdom Come p.121

“The Scriptural proof is that the period of his presence and the day of God’s preparation is a period from 1874 A.D. forward. The second coming of the Lord, therefore, began in 1874; and that date and the years 1914 and 1918 are specially marked dates with reference to his coming. Prophecy can not be understood until it has been fulfilled or is in the course of fulfillment. From 1874 to 1914 the prophecy concerning the Lord’s coming was being fulfilled and could be understood, and was understood, by those who were faithful to the Lord and who were watching the development of events, but not by others.”

Creation 1927 2,175,000 ed. p.289

“The prophecy of the Bible, fully supported by the physical facts in fulfilment thereof, shows that the second coming of Christ dates from the fall of the year 1914.”

What is Truth? (1932) p.48

For a more extensive look into many of these failed predictions check them out here on JWFacts.com

It goes without saying that the verse in Jeremiah 14:14 really fits the Watchtower in all of the failed prophecies they have passed off in their publications.

The last heading states “Jesus denounced religious hypocrisy” this couldn’t be said better. The Lord Jesus does denounce hypocrisy and the organisation is full of it. Do you remember last years Jehovah Witness convention? It was named “love never fails international convention 2019.”

Yet ex-Jehovah Witnesses are being shunned because they no longer want to be a Jehovah Witness and they risk losing their families, friends, jobs and work colleges. Unless you choose to remain a Jehovah Witness only then will the “love never fail” but if you choose to leave then does the love fail? Looks to be so.

Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Jehovah Witnesses pride themselves on “working” for the kingdom, they believe in a works based salvation. If so what were these people the Lord Jesus was speaking about trusting in? Their own works. Notice “have we not and in thy name” they trusted in themselves and not in the Lord Jesus Christ alone.

The Watchtower | No. 2 2016 Did It Really Happen? (Resurrection)

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn Jehovah WitnessesLeave a comment

During this weekend besides hearing more about the Coronavirus another event infinitely more important is taking place. Tomorrow many people will observe “Easter Sunday” biblically known as the Passover or Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible does indeed tell us that the Lord Jesus rose from the dead after 3 days on the first day of the week (Sunday), but it never gives us an actual date when this occurred.

Have faith of ye Christian saints for the Lord Jesus is risen indeed! The focus in this article is to bring to light the erroneous teachings of the Watchtower from their 2016 article Why Did Jesus Suffer and Die? Did It Really Happen?

We want to shed some light to particular and extremely important aspect of the Resurrection the Watchtower seemed to neglect in their article. The opening paragraph begins with

In the spring of 33 A.D., Jesus the Nazarene was executed. He had been falsely charged with sedition, savagely beaten, and nailed to a stake. He died in excruciating pain. But God raised him back to life, and 40 days later, Jesus ascended to heaven.

The Watchtower  |  No. 2 2016

Yes it’s true that Jesus the Christ was charged with sedition and other false charges such as wanting to “destroy the temple” and the Jews didn’t want to believe the claims of Christ. They were angry because Jesus Christ made claims to His deity as being God and their Messiah.

John 10:32-33 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

You see the Jehovah Witnesses don’t believe Jesus Christ is Almighty God but a lesser god who was created to be precise Michael the archangel. This is something they won’t tell you at first when they come knocking.

I want to also direct your attention to this statement from the above Watchtower quote “But God raised him back to life,.” Yes it’s true God raised Jesus from the dead but they’re being vague. In truth God the Father raised Him (Jesus Christ) from the dead,

Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

The Lord Jesus raised Himself from the dead.

John 2:19-21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body.

And the Holy Spirit raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

All three raised the Lord Jesus from the dead, because all three are the one God we read about in the Old Testament and New Testament.

This extraordinary account comes to us from the four Gospels of the Christian Greek Scriptures, commonly called the New Testament. Did those things really happen? That is a pertinent and serious question. If they did not, Christian faith is valueless and the hope of eternal life in Paradise is nothing more than a wishful dream. (1 Corinthians 15:14) On the other hand, if those events really did happen, then there is a bright future for mankind, one in which you can share. So, are the Gospel accounts fact or fiction?

The Watchtower  |  No. 2 2016

The Watchtower gets something right here by asking the question about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ saying “Did those things really happen? That is a pertinent and serious question. If they did not, Christian faith is valueless and the hope of eternal life in Paradise is nothing more than a wishful dream.”

I agree it’s very serious to know if Jesus Christ truly conquered death by being raised from the dead after 3 days. The Christian faith hinges on the Resurrection if it didn’t happen then our faith is in vain, but if it did then those who haven’t placed their trust in Christ are in grave danger.

The tragedy is that Jehovah Witnesses will affirm Jesus Christ rose from the dead but what do they really mean? You’ll find out that Watchtower teaches Jesus didn’t rise from the dead physically. They teach Jesus rose spiritually, and they go even further to say He later took on a different body. This is yet another thing they will not tell you at the door.

The body He appeared with to the disciples in the upper room was “not the same body” which hung on the cross according to the Watchtower. This is a huge error which is a salvation issue. All Christians since the time of the apostles affirm that Christ rose from the dead in the same body He was crucified. To prove this point Thomas was shown the wounds of the nails in Jesus Christ hands and side. If it was a different body then He wouldn’t have any wounds from the crucifixion.

John 20:26-29 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: [then] came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace [be] unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust [it] into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed [are] they that have not seen, and [yet] have believed.

When a Jehovah Witness ask if you’d like to have a “bible study” what they’re really want is to indoctrinate you with Watchtower theology a little at a time. They’ll gloss over Bible truths such as they don’t believe Jesus was crucified on a cross, they deny the bodily resurrection, they deny Jesus Christ is God, they also deny the Godhead (Trinity) and other foundational truths of the Christian faith.

It’s our sincere prayer that those trapped in the organization would wake up and leave this non-Christian cult and come to the true Jesus Christ of the Bible. The only One who has the power to save guilty sinners.

Many Witness are afraid to leave, if they do they will lose their families from being shunned. Therefore they feel stuck, the Jehovah’s Witness life is completely wrapped up in the organization so the Jehovah’s Witness has much to lose; family, friends and job all gone in a matter of moments.

Jesus Christ said:

Luke 9:59-62 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Mark 10:17-21 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

It’s a huge sacrifice to follow Christ but there’s nothing more satisfying or fulfilling for you soul. If you’re a Jehovah Witness or just an unbeliever place your trust in the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins. God bless.

Atheism The Condition of The Human Heart

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn World Religions8 Comments

Sin has been the downfall of mankind ever since the first man and woman sinned in the garden. All it took for Adam and Eve to sin was the first doubt/lie to be sown. The devil approached Eve in the garden and asked “Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” this was the first seed of doubt.

After Eve answered him the first lie ever told was spoken “Ye shall not surely die” then satan appealed to her temptations saying “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”.

For the entire account you can read it here Genesis chapter 3

Notice satan told Eve you shall be like gods, and because they believed the lie they ate the fruit which God told them not to do and sin entered the world ever since and has been our downfall.

This lie continues on today as we see a world which rejects God, a world in which people indulge in sin, a world which prides itself on unrighteousness. As morals decline with each passing moment love dwindles away only to give rise to false love. A “love” that says “do what thou wilt”, not only that but also a world which claims there’s no absolutes.

In that statement alone we find contradiction and hypocrisy to claim “there are no absolutes” or “all truth is relative”. A claim as such in essence is making an absolute truth claim. Where mankind truly deviated and was lead astray was with the embrace of Atheism.

Atheism is, in the broadest sense, an absence of belief in the existence of deities. Less broadly, atheism is a rejection of the belief that any deities exist. In an even narrower sense, atheism is specifically the position that there are no deities. Atheism is contrasted with theism, which, in its most general form, is the belief that at least one deity exists.

wikipedia.org

I think it’s quite interesting when you start to look into the history of Atheism and it’s roots. It started in India during the Vedic age. The name is derived from the Vedas which comes from the Hindu text. It’s ironic Hinduism a religion with the most “gods” has any relation to a religion which rejects the idea of any deity.

Atheistic schools are found in early Indian thought and have existed from the times of the historical Vedic religion. Among the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, Samkhya, the oldest philosophical school of thought, does not accept God, and the early Mimamsa also rejected the notion of God. The thoroughly materialistic and anti-theistic philosophical Cārvāka (or Lokāyata) school that originated in India around the 6th century BCE is probably the most explicitly atheistic school of philosophy in India, similar to the Greek Cyrenaic school. This branch of Indian philosophy is classified as heterodox due to its rejection of the authority of Vedas and hence is not considered part of the six orthodox schools of Hinduism, but it is noteworthy as evidence of a materialistic movement within Hinduism.

wikipedia.org

Atheism at Work

As Christians it’s normal to have Atheist upset at the notion of mentioning God, The Lord Jesus Christ, morals and sin. I wanted to take the time to look at some alarming responses from Atheist.

“As these ChristoTalibans sow? So should they reap. Here are a whole bunch more of your psychotic, ChristoTaliban Christian preachers of hate and death. All of them crying for the brutal murders of lgbts based on their bibles.

I wonder how Christians would feel if LGBTS had a book that said all Christians should be put to death, how fast Christians would call that hate speech?

Or I wonder how Christians would react if all LGBTS stated that as Christians want to do unto us? The same shall be done unto them, how fast you Christians would cry that LGBTS are persecuting you?

But as all these Christians sow? So should they reap and as they want to do unto lgbts? The same should be done unto them”—Anonymous Atheist

Atheist comment # 1 Ever since the attacks on 9/11 when planes flew into the WTC and Pentagon buildings the term Taliban has been tossed around. Nowadays if you disagree with someone you’re automatically labeled. In the case of this person they think all Christians are “ChristoTalibans”. I don’t understand how someone who doesn’t believe in God would try to quote from the Bible?

I guess by using this term they are trying to say that Christians are chopping people’s heads off, shooting people in the head and tossing their bodies in a ditch? In my response to this individual I said that as Christians we don’t hate anyone that includes individuals who identify as LGBT.

I went on to say that I don’t agree with the sin of homosexuality but that doesn’t mean I hate them, I desire for them to be saved the same as I have the desire to see a heterosexual saved. I’m not certain what kind of “Christians” this atheist has come across? I’ll be the first to say that anyone who claims to be a Christian and looks to inflict harm even to the point of death is not a Christian! Perhaps they think the Westboro Baptist cult are “Christians”?

“Again, you fool, telling a native American they should become a Christian? Is like telling a Jew to join the Nazi party or a black person to join the KKK” —Anonymous Atheist

Atheist comment # 2 This comment shows the lack of knowledge of what Christianity stands for. This individual keep on insisting that “Christians” were responsible for the Crusades and other atrocities which are attributed to the Roman Catholics. This is common between atheist and unbelievers in general in which try to place Christians in the same boat as Catholics.

No, Christians were not responsible for the Spanish Inquisition, sorry to break the news but Christians were persecuted by the Roman Catholic Church. The Pope at that time Pope Clement VII was against the people to own a personal copy of the Bible in english. The clergy wanted to remain in power by keeping the Holy Scriptures written in Latin, by doing so no lay person would be able to read God’s word without the church’s interpretation.

Praise be to God for men like William Tyndale who translated most of the Bible in English. He played a vital role in the production of the Authorised King James Bible first published in 1611. Tyndale while in a discussion with a clergyman who made this blasphemous statement “We had better be without God’s laws than the Pope’s.” responded saying:

“I defy the Pope, and all his laws; and if God spares my life, ere many years, I will cause the boy that driveth the plow to know more of the Scriptures than thou dost!”

William Tyndale

As I digress I’m not certain how telling anyone regardless of race would take offence to being told they should become a Christian. If we truly believe salvation is found only in the Lord Jesus Christ then wouldn’t we want others to come, taste and see that the Lord is good?!

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD [is] good: blessed [is] the man [that] trusteth in him.

“Stop lying you fake Christian. Enjoy the same judgment you have given unto me and others”—Anonymous Atheist

This was in response to my comment “I love you and hope you don’t get the Coronavirus. God help you and your soul.”

Atheist comment # 3 In loving kindness we pray for those who are outside of the Ark (the Lord Jesus Christ). In this particular discussion I made reference of staying safe, praying this person would remain healthy from the Coronavirus. And in turn they felt the need to say “stop lying you fake Christian” as well as being hatful saying “enjoy the same judgement”.

I’m uncertain of what judgement this person is speaking of because I never declared judgement upon anyone. So how can this atheist say “Enjoy the same judgment you have given unto me and others”?

Just goes to show how depraved humans have become when you reject the God who made you. It brings a verse to my mind in Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

How true the word of God is which exposes the sinfulness of our hearts. We have to pray for atheist because while they may shake their little fist up to the sky. Wholeheartedly angry at the God they claim doesn’t exist which makes no sense.

We need to show these people who have been indoctrinated to believe that everything came from nothing, a scientific impossibility. May the Lord open their eyes and show them they were created in the image of God, and their lives do have meaning.

That their lives are not “star dust” that “evolution” is completely false, that abortion is murder; and that outside of God they have no basis for their moral standards. Anything outside of the existence of God is meaningless.

Mankind has been trying to be god ever since the downfall of man and the tragic fact is many have fallen for this lie of the devil. Souls are at stake and therefore we must speak the truth in love to these lost individuals.

Psalm 3:8 Salvation [belongeth] unto the LORD: thy blessing [is] upon thy people. Selah.

A world gripped in fear by COVID-19

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn Uncategorized4 Comments

The world experienced many events which has changed the course of humanity, events like the American Revolution, Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918, World War 1 & 2, the Fall of the Berlin Wall, 9/11 Terrorist attacks etc. This current event the world over is experiencing right now has brought the world to a screeching halt.

COVID-19 has radically changed the world in a short span of time, stores closed, park shutdowns and mandatory quarantines. We’ve yet to know the full impact of this virus and its lingering effects. During times such as these people are asking the questions “why are these things happening”, “what is the meaning of life”, “will I and my family be fine” and “what lies after death”?

In our human effort try to find the meaning to these questions, we’re scrambling to stop this pandemic from spreading. Social distancing has become a new catch phrase, home isolation, the need for medical supplies and of course a vaccines to get rid of this virus.

At best COVID-19 has shown us that mankind is not always ready to face what’s to come. With our “technological advances” COVID-19 has proven the frailty of human existence that we don’t have all the answers and we’re not guaranteed tomorrow. These are but a small taste which will come upon the world stage in a later time, how late no one knows?

The Bible makes it known that pestilences will be one of the signs leading up to the return of Jesus Christ. Not just pestilences but wars, earthquakes, famines and heavenly signs.

Matthew 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

Luke 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Let us not forget the Bible records pestilences in the book of Exodus. Moses brought plages upon the people of Egypt from the LORD because they wouldn’t let the Israelites go to worship the LORD. It was God’s judgement upon the Egyptians who enslaved the Israelites (read Exodus chapters 7-11).

In the last book of the Bible the Revelation of Jesus Christ or simply put Revelation, the same plagues come upon the world. First we have the opening of the “six seals” in chapter 6.

Revelation 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

It speaks of the four horsemen these horsemen bring war, pestilence, famine and death. In verse 8 it speaks of the horseman called Death who kills the fourth part of the earth.

Revelation 6:8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

Continuing in that chapter it mentions a great earthquake, the sun turning black as hair and the moon becoming like blood. As well as stars falling from the sky unto the earth.

Revelation 6:12-13 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

Revelation also speaks of the seven trumpets and the seven last plagues which are filled up with the wrath of God (Rev chapter 15). when you have a chance read Revelation it will put a lot into perspective as those are the coming events the world hasn’t seen yet.

All of these things should make you think of the frailty of your life. Thus far the count of COVID-19 deaths is at 27,365 and continues to climb each day. The 1918 Spanish influenza claimed the lives of 50-100 million people.

Another similarity is how quickly both viruses seem to spread. Spanish flu infected an estimated 1/3 of the global population. And although much remains unknown about COVID-19, the disease has spread rapidly from its origin in China in late December and now can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

medicinenet.com

For Christians this is an exciting time not because we want to see people lose their lives to COVID-19. Our excitement comes from seeing the Bible unfolding before our eyes and knowing that each moment brings us closer to the One who has Redeemed us from sin and death. We worship the Lord Jesus Christ because He delivered us from fear by promising us a better place and that’s with Him.

Don’t wait until something tragic happens to you, place your trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. He came to save sinners just like you and I; He was crucified, buried and on the 3rd day rose from the dead being victorious over death and hell.

1 Corinthians 15:1-8 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

This article is not to say that COVID-19 is attributed to God, not in the least. This virus is a result of the fallen world we live in due to sin. The fear of COVID-19 will lose its grip on you if you trust in Christ and receive the free gift of eternal life!

Statements which contradict

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn Jehovah WitnessesLeave a comment

Deuteronomy 18:20, 22 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. … When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that [is] the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, [but] the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

There are cults and other groups which would take the word of the Living God and twist them, add to them or completely remove a scripture text from its context. By doing so a multitude of people have been deceived into believing a lie perpetrated by the Watchtower.

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: has claimed they are not neither inspired nor infallible. Here’s the quote from the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction. In fact, the Watch Tower Publications Index includes the heading “Beliefs Clarified,” which lists adjustments in our Scriptural understanding since 1870. Of course, Jesus did not tell us that his faithful slave would produce perfect spiritual food.”

Watchtower 2017 Feb p.26

Here we have a direct quote from the Governing Body, the men who are in charge of directing the entire organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Who disseminate all doctrines JW’s believe worldwide, and these men come out and said they are not ‘inspired nor infallible’. If you know anything about the Jehovah’s Witnesses they believe they alone are the only Christians in the world and teach all ‘Christendom’ are or satan.

Yet they speak out the other side of their mouth making tremendous claims. While they don’t use the word ‘inspired’ or ‘infallible’ these quotes say they believe otherwise. Look at some of just many inspiration claims.

“Come to Jehovah’s organization for salvation”

Watchtower 1981 Nov 15 p.212

“Consider, too, the fact that Jehovah’s organization alone, in all the earth, is directed by God’s holy spirit or active force. (Zech. 4:6) Only this organization functions for Jehovah’s purpose and to his praise. To it alone God’s Sacred Word, the Bible, is not a sealed book.”

Watchtower 1973 Jul 1 p.402

“However, the Governing Body are appointed through the holy spirit under the direction of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ.” Watchtower 1990 Mar 15 p.18

Watchtower 1990 Mar 15 p.18

The last quote states the Governing Body is appointed through the Holy Spirit by Jehovah God and Jesus. If this is not an inspiration claim then I don’t know what is? Also note the following quote is the same as the last one, but the Watchtower changed a few words so that it would read a bit differently.

However, the Governing Body is not a legal instrument. Its members are not elected. They are appointed through the holy spirit under the direction of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. Watchtower 1990 Mar 15 p.18

Watchtower 1990 Mar 15 p.18

This is called deception. It’s obvious the Watchtower claims inspiration from God in which they can say they ‘alone in all the earth’ are directed by God. For this to be true then every word spoken by the Watchtower organization would come true because God cannot err.

Failed Predictions of the Watchtower (Changed Dates)

Here’s a Wikipedia list of some of the many failed predictions from the Watchtower publications, predicted from its founder Charles Taze Russell, Joseph Franklin Rutherford and now ruling Governing Body. You can look into these for yourself and verify if these statements are true.

1877: Christ’s kingdom would hold full sway over the earth in 1914; the Jews, as a people, would be restored to God’s favor; the “saints” would be carried to heaven.

Charles Taze Russell and Nelson H. Barbour, The Three Worlds (1907)

1891: 1914 would be “the farthest limit of the rule of imperfect men.”

Charles Taze Russell, The Time Is At Hand (1891)

1904: “World-wide anarchy” would follow the end of the Gentile Times in 1914.

Melvin D. Curry, Jehovah’s Witnesses: The Millenarian World of the Watch Tower, Garland, 1992, as cited by James Penton, Apocalypse Delayed, page 45.

1916: World War I would terminate in Armageddon and the rapture of the “saints”.

Penton, James (1997). Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah’s Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. p. 46. ISBN 978-0802079732.

1917: In 1918, Christendom would go down as a system to oblivion and be succeeded by revolutionary governments. God would “destroy the churches wholesale and the church members by the millions.” Church members would “perish by the sword of war, revolution and anarchy.” The dead would lie unburied. In 1920 all earthly governments would disappear, with worldwide anarchy prevailing.

The Finished Mystery, 1917, p. 485, 258, as cited by Raymond Franz, Crisis of Conscience, pages 206-211.

1920: Messiah’s kingdom would be established in 1925 and bring worldwide peace. God would begin restoring the earth. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and other faithful patriarchs would be resurrected to perfect human life and be made princes and rulers, the visible representatives of the New Order on earth. Those who showed themselves obedient to God would never die.

J. F. Rutherford (1920). Millions Now Living Will Never Die. p. 97. Based upon the argument heretofore set forth, then, that the old order of things, the old world, is ending and is therefore passing away, and that the new order is coming in, and that 1925 shall mark the resurrection of the faithful worthies of old and the beginning of reconstruction, it is reasonable to conclude that millions of p

1922: The anti-typical “jubilee” that would mark God’s intervention in earthly affairs would take place “probably the fall” of 1925.

Watch Tower, May 15, 1922, as cited by Raymond Franz, Crisis of Conscience, page 224.

1925: God’s restoration of Earth would begin “shortly after” October 1, 1925. Jerusalem would be made the world’s capital. Resurrected “princes” such as Abel, Noah, Moses and John the Baptist would give instructions to their subjects around the world by radio, and airplanes would transport people to and from Jerusalem from all parts of the globe in just “a few hours”.

W. E. Van Amburgh (1924). The Way to Paradise (1925 ed.). pp. 215–236.

1938: Armageddon was too close for marriage or child bearing.

J. F. Rutherford (1938). Face the Facts and learn the only one way of escape. pp. 46–50.

1941: There were only “months” remaining until Armageddon.

The Watchtower, September 15, 1941, p. 288

1942: Armageddon was “immediately before us.”

The Watchtower, May 1, 1942, p. 139

1961: Awake! magazine stated that Armageddon “will come in the twentieth century. … This generation will see its fulfillment.”

Awake!, February 22, 1961, p. 8

1966: It would be 6000 years since man’s creation in the fall of 1975 and it would be “appropriate” for Christ’s thousand-year reign to begin at that time. Time was “running out, no question about that.” The “immediate future” was “certain to be filled with climactic events … within a few years at most”, the final parts of Bible prophecy relating to the “last days” would undergo fulfillment as Christ’s reign began.

Life Everlasting in Freedom of the Sons of God, Watch Tower Society, 1966, pp. 29–35, as cited by Raymond Franz, Crisis of Conscience, pages 238-239.) (Talk by F. W. Franz, Baltimore, Maryland 1966, cited by Jehovah’s Witnesses – Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, Watch Tower Society, and by Raymond Franz, Crisis of Conscience, pages 238-239.

1967: The end-time period (beginning in 1914) was claimed to be so far advanced that the time remaining could “be compared, not just to the last day of a week, but rather, to the last part of that day”.

Did Man Get Here By Evolution Or By Creation?, Watchtower Bible & Tract Society, 1967, pg 161.

1968: No one could say “with certainty” that the battle of Armageddon would begin in 1975, but time was “running out rapidly” with “earthshaking events” soon to take place. In March 1968 there was a “short period of time left”, with “only about ninety months left before 6000 years of man’s existence on earth is completed”.

The Watchtower, May 1, 1968, page 273) (Kingdom Ministry, Watch Tower Society, March 1968, as cited by Raymond Franz, Crisis of Conscience, pages 246.

1969: “If you are a young person, you also need to face the fact that you will never grow old in this present system of things.”

Awake!, May 22, 1969, p. 15

1971: The “battle in the day of Jehovah” was described as beginning “[s]hortly, within our twentieth century”.

The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah – How?, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1971, pg 214.

1974: There was just a “short time remaining before the wicked world’s end” and Witnesses were commended for selling their homes and property to “finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service.”

Kingdom Ministry, Watch Tower Society, May 1974, page 3.

1984: There were “many indications” that “the end” was closer than the end of the 20th century.

The Watchtower, March 1, 1984, pp. 18-19

1989: The Watchtower asserted that Christian missionary work begun in the first century would “be completed in our 20th century”. When the magazine was republished in bound volumes, the phrase “in our 20th century” was replaced with the less specific “in our day”.

The Watchtower, January 1, 1989, pg. 12.

These are just a very small few of years upon years of Watchtower failed prophecies. There are just way to many to list them all here. As we close out I would like leave you with a small clip of Governing Body members Geoffrey Jackson lying in court during the Australian Royal Commission Case 29.

The back story is the Jehovah Witnesses are being investigated in Australia and other parts of the world for child sexual abuse. (https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-studies/case-study-29-jehovahs-witnesses)

The Royal Commission held a public hearing in Sydney from Monday 27 July to Wednesday 5 August and on Friday 14 August 2015.

The public hearing inquired into the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia Ltd.

The scope and purpose of the public hearing was to inquire into:
1 The experience of survivors of child sexual abuse within the Jehovah’s Witnesses Church in Australia.

2 The response of the Jehovah’s Witnesses Church and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia Ltd to allegations, reports or complaints of child sexual abuse within the Church.

3 The systems, policies and procedures in place within the Jehovah’s Witnesses Church and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia Ltd for raising and responding to allegations of or concerns about child sexual abuse within the Church.

4 The systems, policies and procedures in place within the Jehovah’s Witnesses Church and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia Ltd to prevent child sexual abuse within the Church.

5 Any related matters.

Breaking Through To Jehovah’s Witnesses (Jesus Saves​—How?)

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn Jehovah WitnessesLeave a comment

In this article we’re going to examine the Watchtower’s teaching on how does Jesus save? If you missed the previous post Breaking Through To Jehovah’s Witnesses (Salvation) feel free to read it.

The Bible’s answer

Jesus saved faithful humans when he gave his life as a ransom sacrifice. (Matthew 20:28) Thus, the Bible calls Jesus the “Savior of the world.” (1 John 4:​14) It also states: “There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved.”​—Acts 4:​12.

The Watchtower — Bible Questions Answered

The Watchtower uses such terminology as ‘ransom sacrifice’ in reference to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ at Calvary. Talking with Jehovah’s Witnesses or other cults can sometimes be a bit confusing. They will use similar vocabulary with different meanings.

Packaged in the words ‘ransom sacrifice’ the Jehovah Witnesses say Adam was created as a perfect man but because he sinned in the garden he lost the perfect life for all humans. Sounds straight forward right? They then say Jesus was Jehovah God’s ‘first created creature’ as Michael the archangel. Then ‘Jehovah transferred Jesus from heaven to earth, and Jesus was born as a perfect human, without sin’. Meanwhile Michael the archangel ceased to exist while Jesus was on the earth. When Jesus went back to heaven Jesus ceased to be and Michael the archangel was recreated in heaven.

The Watchtower would insinuate this by inserting their own meaning into the text. Just as a side note Jehovah Witnesses have their own manipulated bible called the New World Translation, this bible (using the term loosely) was created in order to fit their doctrine. It’s a false bible just so you’re aware. Back to the point is Jesus a created creature or God Himself? We’ll let the Bible answer this for us.

1. The book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus Christ created the worlds.

Hebrews 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

2. The book of Colossians also tells us that all things were made by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:16-17 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

3. The Gospel of John tells us nothing was made without Jesus Christ.

John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Jesus ‘tasted death for everyone’ who exercises faith in him. (Hebrews 2:9; John 3:​16) Thereafter, “God raised him up from the dead,” and Jesus returned to heaven as a spirit creature. (Acts 3:​15) There, Jesus is able “to save completely those who are approaching God through him, because he is always alive to plead for them.”​—Hebrews 7:​25.

The Watchtower — Bible Questions Answered

Groups such as the Watchtower place an emphasis on works by taking John 3:16 adding the word ‘exercises’ give the notion of working for salvation. If you visit the Watchtower’s Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures someone at the organization goofed. They didn’t realise their kingdom interlinear doesn’t agree with their New World Translation if you compare them.

You’ll also notice in the above quote that they claim Jesus ‘returned to heaven as a spirit creature’. In the book of Luke chapter 24 we have the account when Jesus Christ showed Himself to the disciples after His resurrection.

1. The Lord Jesus Christ appears to His disciples and they were afraid and thought Jesus was a spirit.

Luke 24:36-37 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

2. The Lord then corrects them showing His disciples He is not a spirit. How does He do this? By showing them His hands and feet which bore the prints of the nails proving it was the same body which hung on the cross. They also physically touch Him and Jesus said He has flesh and bones. A spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones.

Luke 24:38-39 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

Clearly the Watchtower made the same mistake the disciples made in thinking Jesus was a ‘spirit creature’.

Why do we need Jesus to plead for us?

We are all sinners. (Romans 3:​23) Sin puts a barrier between us and God, and it leads to death. (Romans 6:​23) But Jesus serves as “an advocate” for those who exercise faith in his ransom sacrifice. (1 John 2:1, footnote) He pleads in their behalf, asking God to hear their prayers and grant forgiveness of their sins on the basis of Jesus’ sacrificial death. (Matthew 1:​21; Romans 8:​34) God acts on such pleas made by Jesus because they are in harmony with His will. God sent Jesus to the earth “for the world to be saved through him.”​—John 3:​17.

The Watchtower — Bible Questions Answered

It’s interesting that the Watchtower would claim Jesus Christ serves as ‘an advocate’ for those who ‘exercise faith’ in His sacrifice. While this sounds nice and it is true that Jesus is the advocate for all believers, that’s what the Bible teaches.

In Watchtower theology it’s just not that simple. You see they teach that Jesus is the mediator only for ‘anointed Christians’ who number 144,000. The Greek word for advocate is paráklētos

παράκλητος paráklētos, par-ak’-lay-tos; an intercessor, consoler:—advocate, comforter.

The Biblical usage for advocate is as follows.
A. one who pleads another’s cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate.
B. one who pleads another’s cause with one, an intercessor.
i. of Christ in his exaltation at God’s right hand, pleading with God the Father for the pardon of our sins
C. in the widest sense, a helper, succourer, aider, assistant.
ii. of the Holy Spirit destined to take the place of Christ with the apostles (after his ascension to the Father), to lead them to a deeper knowledge of the gospel truth, and give them divine strength needed to enable them to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom.

This is very similar to what a mediator does, here’s the Biblical definition for mediator.

μεσίτης mesítēs, mes-ee’-tace; from G3319; a go-between, i.e. (simply) an internunciator, or (by implication) a reconciler (intercessor):—mediator.

I. one who intervenes between two, either in order to make or restore peace and friendship, or form a compact, or for ratifying a covenant.
II. a medium of communication, arbitrator.

Both of these roles are fulfilled by Christ as our mediator and advocate. Unfortunately most Jehovah Witnesses are not part of the New Covenant according to Watchtower theology therefore this leaves them without a mediator / advocate. Here’s a few quotes from the Watchtower concerning this teaching.

In what sense does Paul use the term “mediator” when referring to Jesus at 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6? In this text, Paul uses the Greek word m esi’tes for “mediator,” which term has a legal significance, so he is not using this word in the broad sense common in many languages. Hence, Paul is not saying that Jesus is Mediator between God and all mankind. Rather, he is referring to Christ as legal Mediator of the new covenant, which laid the basis for Christ’s anointed followers to share with him in his heavenly Kingdom. (2 Corinthians 5:1, 5; Ephesians 1:13, 14; Hebrews 8: 7-13)—8/15, pages 30, 31. (Watchtower, December 15, 1989, p. 30)

Watchtower, December 15, 1989, p. 30

“He mediates the new covenant between God and those taken into the new covenant, the congregation of spiritual Israel. The total number of those who are finally and permanently sealed is revealed in Revelation 7:4-8 as 144,000.” Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2 p.362 Mediator

Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2 p.362 Mediator

The society robs the Jehovah Witness of all the promises given by God because the general Jehovah’s Witness has no clue Jesus is not their mediator. And because they don’t have a the Lord Jesus as mediator being an advocate for them they don’t have salvation.

Lastly, the Jehovah Witnesses believe you must perform works in order to be in a ‘good standing’ when you see ‘exercise faith’ this is what it means. This means they believe by going good deeds they are proving to Jehovah they are worthy of being saved or savable. This teaching is contrary to what God’s word says.

Galatians 3:1-3 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Is belief in Jesus all that we need to be saved?

No. Although we must believe in Jesus to gain salvation, more is required. (Acts 16:30, 31) The Bible says: “Just as the body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” (James 2:​26) To be saved, we must:

The Watchtower — Bible Questions Answered

There you go, the Watchtower teaches believing in Jesus Christ is not sufficient that ‘more is required’. They cite James 2:26 as a proof text but the Watchtower entirely misses the meaning of the verse. The apostle James is not contradicting Paul (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

James is telling us that true faith produces genuine works but those works have no baring on our salvation. Works are the by product of real faith not a means of acquiring salvation.

James 2:21-24 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

“The point you need to convey to Jehovah’s Witnesses is that genuine Christian faith does produce righteous works, but the works have nothing to do with saving us or with making us righteous.

Explain to the Witnesses that James’ comments also address the fact that although God can see the faith that is in our hearts without seeing works as proof—as he did with Abraham in Genesis 15—human beings cannot.

Although we are justified by faith alone before God, we are justified before men through works that they can see. That is, the only way people can see that someone has actually had an inner transformation by God based on his faith is by that person’s changed attitudes and behavior. (James 2:18)

Jehovah’s Witnesses think that their works prove that they are “exercising faith” and are therefore “in the truth.” Don’t accuse them of anything, but do point out that when we think about works, we need to be cautious in our evaluation. People who have not experienced an inner transformation by God can, through self-effort, produce religious works that appear righteous to us and to others, but those works will be rejected by God because merely human-generated righteousness is like filthy rags in his sight. (Isaiah 64:6).” — David Englund

daenglund.com

Jehovah Witnesses must understand that we are not against them personally, our heart goes out to those who are trapped in the Watchtower and afraid to leave because they will lose their families, jobs, friends etc. We understand it’s giving up a lot. But the Lord Jesus said:

Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Your soul is on the line, our desire and more importantly God’s desire is that you come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour. In doing so by trusting in Him for the forgiveness of your sins you can have the free gift of eternal life. You can know right now presently that you have eternal life.

1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

God bless and hope you’ll trust in Christ Jesus alone for salvation.

Disclaimer: Thank you for sharing your comments. Please no foul language or insults. The topic of this article is Jehovah’s Witnesses (Jesus Saves—How?). If you get off this topic comments will be deleted.

Breaking Through To Jehovah’s Witnesses (Salvation)

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn Jehovah WitnessesLeave a comment

This post dives into one of the stranger teachings of the Watchtower. How does a Jehovah’s Witness obtain salvation? That’s the question we’re going to answer today.

The Watchtower’s View Of Salvation Is It Biblical?

Since the time the Lord Jesus Christ walked the earth till today Christianity has always agreed upon how one is saved (by Jesus Christ). This foundational truth is shared among all Christian denominations. But there are some who have claimed the name ‘Christian’ yet when examined strays far from Orthodox Christianity.

This will be an interesting topic as most people are aware Jehovah’s Witnesses preach about a ‘paradise earth’ as their main message. How does one get into ‘paradise earth’ and is the message given by the Watchtower backed by the scriptures?

The Watchtower Salvation System

The view of salvation from a Jehovah Witness standpoint is very different from a biblical Christianity. The Witness believe there are two groups of Christians, one small group (144,000) has a heavenly hope. These are referred to as the ‘anointed class’ but the majority of Witnesses are part of another group called ‘the great crowd’ and have an earthly hope meaning they don’t want to go to heaven.

Those who are part of the anointed class are born again but the other group (‘the great crowd’) are not born again. The only possible way for a Jehovah Witness to have salvation is by being associated with the anointed class. Notice the absence of Jesus Christ from the Watchtower’s view of salvation.

Another note of importance is Witnesses don’t believe the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is sufficient to atone for sin. In Watchtower theology the ‘ransom sacrifice’ only covers Adam’s sin and gives the Witness the opportunity to earn their salvation. In other words it gives them a ‘clean slate’ and now they have a chance at obtaining everlasting life through good works.

“To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it.” Watchtower 1983 Feb 15 p.12

Four Requirements

“The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction.” Watchtower Study Edition 2017 Feb p.26

“Who Really is the Faithful and Discreet Slave?”

The Jehovah Witness must prove they’re ‘worthy’ to make it into Jesus Christ millennial kingdom. Upon them entering the millennial kingdom they still have the possibility of sinning and have to prove themselves for the next 1000 years. During this time they will be tested by satan and cannot allow themselves to sin, if they endure this testing period only afterwards will they achieve ‘moral perfection’ and be adopted by Jehovah.

In turn they will be left in the same position Adam was before he sinned. Is this what the Bible teaches? Let us now compare this with God’s word to see if it stands in light of scripture.

The Biblical View of Salvation

The Bible makes it clear that all of mankind has fallen when sin entered into the world through the disobedience of the first man Adam. As our representative Adam was given dominion over the earth, but after he ate the fruit from tree of knowledge death reigned.

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Romans 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

Human’s are inherently sinful because we’re born with a sinful nature on the account of what happened in the garden. Additionally, we ourselves disobeyed God by committing acts of sin. Acts such as fornication, murder, boastful, disobedient to our parents etc. There’s nothing good in our flesh which can please God because we all sinned by breaking His moral Law.

This is the reason a person is already condemned without Christ as their Saviour. Only Jesus Christ was/is perfect and He alone was able to fulfill the requirement God put forth in order to have salvation. God requires moral perfection and every born again Christian knows we all fall short, all except the Lord Jesus Christ.

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Without Christ and the work He did on the cross none of us would have salvation. It’s the death burial and resurrection of Christ in that He conquered the grave in which our whole faith rest. He alone get’s all the glory for there’s nothing I can do within myself to merit eternal life.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

TWO CLASSES OF CHRISTIANS?

The Bible never teaches a 2 class system in fact all believers are anointed because Christ promised He would send another Comforter. This refers to the Holy Spirit who’s the 3rd person of the Godhead/Trinity, He came to live inside believers.

John 14:17 [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

This doctrine poses a number of severe difficulties for the Witness. If a person is not ‘anointed’ (born again) which most Jehovah’s Witnesses believe then they lost out on all the promises. How so? Well.

A person who doesn’t have the Holy Spirit doesn’t belong to God (Romans 8:9). They are left without a mediator because the Watchtower teaches Jesus Christ is only mediator for the 144,000, which places the Witness outside of the new covenant. The Watchtower’s governing body says Jesus is the mediator only for ‘anointed Christians’.

“So in this strict Biblical sense Jesus is the “mediator” only for anointed Christians.” Watchtower 1979 Apr 1 p.31

Questions From Readers

This means all the promises and blessings the LORD gave to believers don’t apply to the average Jehovah’s Witness because they are not part of the ‘anointed class’. No blessings, no rewards, no treasures and no salvation being that they are not in Christ.

The 2 class system of the Watchtower not only robs people associated with that organization of the vast treasures laid up for believers in heaven, they also try to insert themselves in between the individual and Christ. A scriptures which comes to mind is found in the gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Just as Christ Jesus was rebuking the religious Pharisee’s for stopping others from entering into heaven by hindering others, the same is true of the governing body who place heavy loads upon members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. It’s our sincere prayer that those stuck in the Watchtower cult would look into the history of all the false prophecies, heretic doctrines and the extra unbiblical policies the organization imposes upon them. Not to mention the rampant child abuse cases happening around the world concerning Jehovah Witness elders.

God’s word never makes a distinction between 2 classes of Christians all believers in Christ receive the same promises from God. The little flock referred to in the gospel of Luke are the Jewish people (Luke 12:32), the other sheep spoken of in the gospel of John are gentiles (John 10:16). Notice in that same scripture Jesus says they will be ‘one fold’ with ‘one shepherd’.

John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.

Hope this blesses you and that you’ll place your trust in Jesus Christ for salvation and not in any organization. Until next time, God bless.

Watchtower Lies and Deceptions May 2020

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn Jehovah Witnesses25 Comments

Once again another Watchtower has been released for the month of May in which we find the following quote.

At some time during the second century C.E., the true Christian congregation began to be overrun by false Christians, who had adopted pagan teachings and who were hiding the truths found in God’s Word. From that time until the late 19th century, there was no organized group of God’s servants on earth. The weeds of falseChristianity flourished and hid the identity of true Christians.(emphasis added)

watchtower-study-may-2020 pg 3

Please note the Watchtower is claiming that during the second century A.D. the Church Jesus Christ established was “overrun by false Christians”. This is a blatant contradiction to the Lord Jesus words in which we read concerning this found in the gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

What does our Lord mean when He says “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (the Church)”? It’s pretty simple to understand that Christ was saying nothing will be able to go against His Church.

κατισχύω katischýō, kat-is-khoo’-o; from G2596 and G2480; to overpower:—prevail (against).

Yet the Watchtower is saying the Church was “overrun”? Who are we to believe the Watchtower or Jesus Christ? I’ll trust in the words of Christ. Watchtower goes on to say “From that time until the late 19th century, there was no organized group of God’s servants on earth”.

The early Watchtower came into existence in the 1800’s during that time other “restoration” movements began. If there were no true Christians until Charles Taze Russell founded the bible students which later became known as the Watchtower/Jehovah Witnesses under Joseph Franklin Rutherford then the Church Christ created died out according to this article. Who was God using before the Watchtower came to be?

Who was a Christian then between the ascension of Jesus Christ until Charles Taze Russell came? Do you see the significance of such a statement? The Watchtower is saying they alone are the only “true Christians” in the world. We see that in this next portion of the statement “From that time until the late 19th century, there was no organized group of God’s servants on earth”.

In essence they’re saying God had none who were “true Christians” and are calling Jesus Christ a lair because Christ said “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (the Church)”? The Watchtower says “false Christianity hid the identity of true Christians”. If you’ve ever spoken with a JW before you might hear them say “what other group do you know in the world is preaching from door to door”.

The mindset of a Jehovah’s Witness is no one is preaching, no one is fulfilling the great commission the Lord Jesus has commanded for us to fulfill found in the Gospel of Mark.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

The Watchtower fails to see that Christian missionaries have been going to other countries preaching Christ for centuries. An easy search for Christian missionaries history will bring up a slew of information on this subject. Christian missionaries have preached all over the world including Ghana (David Livingstone), Guatemala, Japan etc.

When Christian missionaries arrived in Japan more than 450 years ago they were more successful there than in any other country in history. Despite the culture shock, which included having to eat with “two small pieces of wood” and encountering a strange new drink called “char”, they won hundreds of thousands of converts. The reaction of the ruling Japanese Shogun was a ferocious crackdown against this new religion which eventually resulted in the country being completely closed to the world for more than 200 years. That legacy remains today and Japan is one of the toughest destinations for missionaries.

Edward Stourton – BBC

Anyone who follows Jesus Christ is a true Christian, it’s quite amazing that the Watchtower denies so many biblical truths which Christianity has believed and taught throughout the centuries. The greatest truth being of Jesus Christ deity as God, yet Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to be “true Christians”? How can one be called a Christian if they deny Christ?

The very word Christian bears the name of Christ, to be a Christian means you’re a follower of Jesus Christ and proclaim His name to a dying world. Have you noticed Jehovah Witnesses never pray in the name of Jesus Christ, they rarely mention His name.

Χριστιανός Christianós, khris-tee-an-os’; from G5547; a Christian, i.e. follower of Christ:—Christian.

The only name that comes forth from a Jehovah’s Witness is “Jehovah” not Jesus Christ. Isn’t that interesting?

Jesus mediator only for the 144,000?

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn Jehovah WitnessesLeave a comment

So in this strict Biblical sense Jesus is the “mediator” only for anointed Christians.

Watchtower 1979 Apr 1 p.31 (Questions From Readers)

Dear Jehovah Witness did you know the Watchtower teaches that Jesus Christ is not you mediator? Does this come as a shock to you? It should. The Watchtower says that only the ‘anointed class’ have Jesus as their mediator.

For Christians the beliefs of the Jehovah Witnesses (JW) are strange. Most Christians are unaware of the JW’s beliefs thereby it makes it difficult for believers in Christ who are not familiar with the Watchtower teachings to reach JW’s.

Jehovah Witnesses have their own bible (NWT) which has been manipulated in order for it to fit their doctrines. And they are indoctrinated to view scriptures through Watchtower goggles. Lastly, if you’re not part of the JW’s they won’t believe anything you have to say from the bible. Jehovah Witnesses only believe what they are told the bible means through the governing body.

This obstacle is hard to overcome but it’s not impossible. In order to reach a JW for Christ we must first realise that the Watchtower and JW are two distinct entities. The only way to break through is to prove to the JW the contradictions in Watchtower theology. We will look into one of those contradiction today which is the subject of Jesus Christ as mediator.

2 Classes of Christians?

Jehovah Witnesses believe in a 2 class system, the first class consist of spirit anointed Christians starting from the day of Pentecost (33 AD). These Christians ‘the little flock’ make up the 144,000 found in the book of Revelation chapter 7 according to Watchtower.

Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

JW’s are taught only the 144,000 are anointed and ‘have a heavenly hope’ and will reign with Christ as kings and priest. The doctrine of the 144,000 anointed class did not come from their founder C.T. Russell. Russell taught all the members of the Watchtower are anointed, and the 144,000 who were Spiritual Israel had ‘one hope’ a heavenly hope.

The early teachings of Watchtower was that all Jehovah’s Witnesses go to heaven. There was no paradise earth teaching, nor two destinations for Jehovah’s Witnesses. Russell died in 1916 then Joseph Rutherford became the new president. It was under Rutherford’s leadership that many teachings began to change, one being the teaching of the 144,000.

Russell taught only 144,000 of Jehovah Witnesses would survive armageddon as the accepted view, this created a problem when people began joining the Watchtower and membership increased.

Under Charles Taze Russell the organization grew “In 1931 there were under 50,000 Witnesses in fewer than 50 lands” Mankind’s Search for God p.359 1990

The question now became how is a Jehovah Witness (‘the other sheep’) saved when not part of the 144,000 ‘anointed class’? Well, Rutherford knew that if the ‘door was shut’ in 1934. This would be a major problem as no one else could be added to the anointed class deterring individuals from joining.

The Watchtower introduced the teaching of ‘Faithful and Discreet Slave’. Any Jehovah’s Witness who wanted to survive armageddon would be required to follow the ‘Faithful and Discreet Slave’ better known now as the governing body.

The parable of the faithful and discreet slave is used by the Watchtower Governing Body to justify that they have been appointed by God to lead his people, since 1919. This is used to justify that salvation depends on following them. — JWFacts.com

Here are a few of the outlandish quotes the Watchtower has put out in their own literature claiming to be the only channel in which a person can have salvation.

“That faithful slave is the channel through which Jesus is feeding his true followers in this time of the end. It is vital that we recognize the faithful slave. Our spiritual health and our relationship with God depend on this channel.” Watchtower 2013 Jul 15 p.20

Watchtower 2013 July 15 p.20

“The faithful and discreet slave” was appointed over Jesus’ domestics in 1919. That slave is the small, composite group of anointed brothers serving at world headquarters during Christ’s presence who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food. When this group work together as the Governing Body, they act as “the faithful and discreet slave.” jw.org 10th Nov 2012

jw.org 10th Nov 2012

“We need to obey the faithful and discreet slave to have Jehovah’s approval.” Watchtower 2011 Jul 15 p.24 Simplified English Edition

Watchtower 2011 Jul 15 p.24 Simplified English Edition

As you can see the Watchtower made it so that any Jehovah Witness who is not part of the 144,000 ‘anointed class’ is then considered as the ‘great crowd’. Therefore those of the ‘great crowd’ must align themselves and obey the governing body in order to have salvation. The Watchtower has inserted themselves in the place of Christ. It really is a blasphemous doctrine when you understand what they believe.

What Does The Bible Teach?

Since the very beginning all Christians are one fold (flock), the Lord Jesus spoke on this in the Gospel of John it’s know as the chapter on the Good Shepherd. The background is the Lord was talking with the Jewish people explaining that Christ was the Shepherd of the sheep and that all His sheep hear His voice.

The Lord Jesus was telling the people not to listen to a strangers voice, and if anyone tried to enter into the fold without going through Christ would be a thief and robber. The Jewish people in this parable are the ‘little flock’, but Christ didn’t stop there He also said there were ‘other sheep’ He needed to bring with Him.

This was in reference to the Gentiles (non-Jews) and they also would be joined to the ‘little flock’ and the 2 would become one fold.

John 10:11-16 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.

Jesus Christ never said there would be a 2 class system of Christians one being ‘anointed’ and the others not. In fact the New Testament says we have one hope.

Ephesians 4:4-6 [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.

Most importantly all Christians must be born again meaning they would be ‘anointed’ having the Holy Spirit inside them. We’re reminded of when Nicodemus came to the Lord Jesus at night.

John 3:1-8 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

No exceptions a Christian must be born again. Paul the apostle spoke about this in Romans chapter 8 showing the distinctions between the saved and unsaved.

Romans 8:9-11 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

According to the Watchtower only the 144,000 are ‘spirit anointed ones’ with the ‘heavenly calling’.

The 144,000 “have an anointing from the holy one,” Jehovah. (1 John 2:20) It is an anointing to a heavenly hope. God has ‘put his seal upon them and has given them the token of what is to come, that is, the spirit, in their hearts.’​—2 Corinthians 1:21, 22.

Who Really Have a Heavenly Calling? (Watchtower 1991 March 15)

This is a huge problem for the Jehovah Witness as they have no assurance of salvation, Romans 8:9-11 says you don’t belong to God if you don’t have the Holy Spirit. If Jesus Christ is not your mediator that means you’re still dead in your sins! Christ said the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) will be inside believers (John 14:17).

The Watchtower through the 144,000 teaching has literally made a kingdom of slaves for the organization. This is why you’ll see JW’s putting in so much time standing next to carts and going door to door. For the Jehovah Witness they need to work to insure their salvation.

The Bible says that we cannot earn our salvation (Isaiah 64:6, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:5). If you’re a Jehovah’s Witness reading this first we’d like to say welcome, we understand that you’re talking a huge risk in reading an ‘apostate’ site and this could land you in trouble with your congregation.

More importantly we are pleased that you’re looking into this for yourself to find the facts which Watchtower organization doesn’t want you to know. To find the real Truth which is the Jesus Christ of the Bible. Do not allow the 8 men who consist of the governing body to control your thinking.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

And to our brothers and sisters in Christ continue to reach out to those stuck in the Watchtower. Don’t view the Jehovah’s Witness as the enemy they are just deceived and think they’re doing the will of God. We encourage you to share the Gospel of Christ with them and focus the conversation on showing how the Watchtower is wrong.

Here’s a great quote from David A. Reed’s site concerning HOW TO GET Jehovah’s Witnesses TO LISTEN.

Knocking down a Jehovah’s Witness’s belief system is similar to chopping down a tree. The woodsman who takes aim at the biggest and brightest leaves can swing his axe all day without results. So it is with the Christian who takes aim at prominent JW doctrines and starts swinging. Witness beliefs on theology and the afterlife are attractive targets for Christians who know what the Bible really says on these matters. But those erroneous beliefs are upheld by the Watchtower Society, just as the leaves and branches are held aloft by the tree trunk. Until the woodsman takes aim at the trunk, he swings his axe in vain. Likewise with the Christian who gets into debates with JWs over doctrine…But this does not mean that discussions with JWs are doomed to failure. Success is possible if you treat the disease rather than the symptoms, if you pour the water on the furnace rather than on the radiator, if you swing the axe at the trunk of the tree rather than at the leaves. Chop through the trunk, and the whole tree will come down — including all the brightly colored leaves that first caught your attention.

answerjw.com

Some useful sites for Christians to learn more about the Jehovah’s Witnesses beliefs and how to answer them.

  1. answerjw.com
  2. avoidjw.org
  3. towerwatch.com

Is Belief in Jesus Enough for Salvation?

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn Jehovah WitnessesLeave a comment

We take precautions in our every day lives by avoiding suspicious emails, covering the keypad when purchasing an item, and peer over our shoulder at the ATM making sure to keep your pin code safe. One of the greatest crimes today is identity theft!

Identity theft has to be one of the most difficult situations a person can face. The victim must fight to regain their identity, the same can be said when speaking of Jesus Christ. His identity has been hijacked since the days of the apostles. Paul the apostle warned the church in Corinth not to fall for “another Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:4).

Who is the Jesus of the Watchtower? Today we’re going to focus on this “Jesus” by examining an article from their bible questions answered page (“Believe in Jesus”​—Is Belief in Jesus Enough for Salvation?).

All world religions including non-Christian cults teach a person cannot inherit salvation simply by trusting in Christ. For cultist simply trusting in Christ seems too easy, therefore, in the mind of the Jehovah’s Witness, they can’t comprehend the simplicity which is in Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

The Bible’s Answer

“Christians believe that Jesus died for the sins of humankind. (1 Peter 3:18) However, salvation requires more than believing in Jesus as Savior. The demons know that Jesus is “the Son of God,” but they face destruction, not salvation. Luke 4:41; Jude 6.” — Watchtower (Bible Questions Answered)

The Watchtower claims “salvation requires more than believing in Jesus as Savior” the Watchtower teaches a works-based salvation which cannot save anyone. Let’s see what the scriptures have to say about this?

Starting with the apostles it’s known unto us that salvation is a work of God, not us, and salvation is granted to the hell-bound sinner the moment they place their trust in Christ. There are multiple verses proving we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

The Bible says salvation is not by works, salvation is only made possible by trusting in Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. When verses such as Ephesians 2:8-9 are shown to a Jehovah’s Witness, they immediately resort to Bible hopscotch. One Jehovah’s Witness “proof text” for a works-based salvation is found in the book of James.

James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

The zealous Jehovah’s Witness will quote half the verse saying “faith without works is dead”. At first glance, it seems as if James is contradicting Paul but that’s not the case. The scriptures cannot contradict themselves, If we read the surrounding text we will get the context to James 2:20.

James 2:18-19 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Please note “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works”, the context shows a man to man situation whereas one man says he has faith. The other says he will prove his faith by his works. These verses are in no sense portraying a man being justified by works in the sight of God on the contrary. These verses are teaching a believer will produce works as a byproduct of their faith in the presence of men. Not that their works is a means to obtaining salvation.

When we re-read the Jehovah’s Witnesses “proof text” now the verse makes sense and its clear that James doesn’t contradict Paul in saying:

James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

This is what cults do, they take verses out of context in order to indoctrinate individuals. When reading James chapter 2 we must understand the background. James then goes on to explain how Abraham was justified.

James 2:21-23 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

James tells us Abraham was justified because of his faith which brought about Abraham’s works. Abraham’s faith produced works because he “believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness”.

The Watchtower then gives a list of questions about how is one saved and the “sinner’s prayer”. They pose the question by the Philippian jailer “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:25-31).

Here’s what the Watchtower says one must do in order to be saved. First point they make is believing that Jesus sacrificed Himself for our sins+believe what the Bible says in regards to Him is accurate.

You must believe that Jesus sacrificed his life for our sins. (Acts 16:30, 31; 1 John 2:2) This includes believing that Jesus was a real person and that all of what the Bible account says about him is accurate. — Watchtower (Bible Questions Answered)

Strange that the Watchtower says salvation is contingent on “believing that Jesus was a real person and that all of what the Bible account says about him is accurate”. This is strange to say, obviously when an individual is saved they believe Jesus is a real person and God’s word is true. But notice how they make it about working for salvation.

They said “and that all of what the Bible account says about him is accurate“, just as was mentioned earlier, just trusting in the finished works of Christ is too difficult for cults to accept.

The second requirement for salvation according to the Watchtower is “learning what the Bible really teaches”.

Learn what the Bible really teaches. (2 Timothy 3:15) The Bible says that the apostle Paul and Silas told a jailer: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will get saved.” Then, after that, they began to teach “the word of Jehovah” to the jailer. (Acts 16:31, 32) This indicates that the jailer could not truly believe in Jesus unless he had a basic understanding of God’s Word. He needed accurate knowledge based on the Scriptures.—1 Timothy 2:3, 4. — Watchtower (Bible Questions Answered)

The reason the Watchtower says a requirement for salvation is “learning what the Bible really teaches” is because they trick people into believing they need to be associated with the organization in order to be savable. Take a look at this quote from them.

“But Jehovah God has also provided his visible organization, his “faithful and discreet slave”, made up of spirit-anointed ones, to help Christians in all nations to understand and apply properly the Bible in their lives. Unless we are in touch with this channel of communication that God is using, we will not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we do.” Watchtower 1981 Dec 1 p.27

This quote is essentially places the Watchtower organization in the position only Jesus Christ posses. Without straightly saying you must be part of the Watchtower organization to have salvation because the Bible according to them is not sufficient.

The third requirement for salvation according to the Watchtower is you must “repent or feel a deep sorrow”.

Repent. (Acts 3:19) You must also repent, or feel deep sorrow, over previous wrong attitudes and conduct. Your repentance will be obvious to others as you stop practices that offend God and do “works that befit repentance.”—Acts 26:20. — Watchtower (Bible Questions Answered)

When one places their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation that person(s) has already repented. They’ve “changed their mind” from dead works (Hebrews 6:1, Hebrews 9:14) to then being a follower of Christ. Repentance doesn’t mean to “feel a deep sorrow” as the Watchtower defines it. Repentance means to have a change of mind.

Strong’s Definitions
μετάνοια metánoia, met-an’-oy-ah; from G3340; (subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another’s) decision):—repentance.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon
μετάνοια, μετανοίας, ἡ (μετανοέω), a change of mind: as it appears in one who repents of a purpose he has formed or of something he has done.

The fourth requirement a Jehovah’s Witness must complete for salvation is baptism. Is it now apparent how the Watchtower by placing these “requirements” on its members is making them try to obtain salvation by their own means?

Get baptized. (Matthew 28:19) Jesus said that those who become his disciples would be baptized. The jailer mentioned earlier was baptized. (Acts 16:33) Similarly, after the apostle Peter taught a large crowd the truth about Jesus, “those who gladly accepted his word were baptized.”—Acts 2:40, 41.— Watchtower (Bible Questions Answered)

We have many accounts of people getting saved, and when the apostles recognized a person professed faith in Jesus Christ, they were immediately baptised on the spot.

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Unlike the Watchtower before they baptise you you must have a few months of study answer about 80 questions. When they finally baptise they will ask (1) On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will? (2) Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization? Having answered yes to these questions, candidates are in a right heart condition to undergo Christian baptism.” Watchtower 1985 Jun 1 p.30

This is not the same as what’s shown in the scriptures, the Watchtower removes “the Holy Spirit” and inserting themselves between the person seeking salvation and Christ. Therefore the baptism a Jehovah Witness goes through is not valid. The fifth requirement put forth is to Obey Jesus’ instructions.

Obey Jesus’ instructions. (Hebrews 5:9) Those who “observe all the things” that Jesus commanded show by their life course that they are his followers. (Matthew 28:20) They become “doers of the word and not hearers only.”—James 1:22. — Watchtower (Bible Questions Answered)

It goes without saying a Christian obeys Jesus Christ but the Bible never teaches a person must first obey the “instructions” of Jesus in order to have salvation. According to the book of Romans, it shows that those who haven’t been converted are at enmity against God and are not subject to His law. 

ἔχθρα échthra, ekh’-thrah; feminine of G2190; hostility; by implication, a reason for opposition:—enmity, hatred.

Therefore, how can the unregenerate man/woman obey the instructions of Jesus Christ not yet having the Holy Spirit which enables the person to submit to God’s moral law? The answer is they cannot.

The reason why the Watchtower points to “obeying Jesus instructions” is they allude to a fallacious belief that one must “take in knowledge” as a prerequisite to obtaining salvation. The Watchtower has convinced the general rank in file member to believe this by taking John 17:3 and translating the text differently from all other Bibles to read “This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ”. Notice “taking in knowledge of you”.

Romans 8:7-8 Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

There’s a vast difference between “taking in knowledge of you” and “that they might know you”, one is just knowing the other is having a relationship. The Watchtower doesn’t want its members to have a relationship with God, they want them to be dependant on the organization. The sixth requirement is Endure to the end.

Endure to the end. (Mark 13:13) Jesus’ disciples “need endurance” in order to be saved. (Hebrews 10:36) For example, the apostle Paul maintained strict obedience to Jesus’ teachings and loyalty to God, and he endured in this course from the day he became a Christian until he died.—1 Corinthians 9:27. — Watchtower (Bible Questions Answered)

The Watchtower doesn’t understand that (Mark 13:13) is referring to the tribulation period, reading in context the previous verses speak of those willing to betray believers delivering them to magistrates (the authorities) being put to death. Why is this occurring? The scriptures say in those days believers in Christ will be preaching the Gospel around the world (Mark 13:10).

As for the book of Hebrews, understanding the background helps us to get the context. This general epistle was written to Jewish believers who were facing persecution because they chose to follow Christ instead of Judaism. It was written in a style to remind the Jews who now professed faith in Christ that the former things they used to place their trust in (works based religious system) cannot save them.

The past experience they had in Judaism and now turning away from that religion by placing faith in Christ brought persecution to those Jewish believers. The Watchtower takes such verses to enforce works for salvation. Hence the reason they’re always out with their witnessing carts and recording time or going “door to door”, the Jehovah’s Witness must continually work hard in trying to merit salvation. But if you ask them if they know they’re saved they cannot say with certainty that they have salvation because they have no assurance.

Salvation is by trusting in Jesus Christ alone, He has completed all the work required and said “it is finished”.

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Lastly, the Watchtower mentions the “Sinner’s Prayer”, unfortunately, some people have fallen for this teaching. Not all Christians believe in this, what we do believe is God draws (John 6:44) and leads the individual to repentance (Romans 2:4). The person drawn to Christ will come to an understanding they have sinned against God and will see the need for Christ as their Saviour by placing their trust in Him and thus being saved.

Watchtower God’s Visible Organization?

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn Jehovah Witnesses23 Comments

Watchtower Quotes

The men of that governing body, like the apostles and older men in Jerusalem, have many years of experience in God’s service. But they do not rely on human wisdom in making decisions. No, being governed theocratically, they follow the example of the early governing body in Jerusalem, whose decisions were based on God’s Word and were made under the direction of holy spirit.

Watchtower Online Library — God’s Visible Organization You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth

What of Jehovah’s Christian channel of communication today? Which of the hundreds of sects and denominations of those who claim to be Christian is Jehovah’s spokesman today in the earth as his divinely appointed and organized channel ofcommunication?

Watchtower Online Library — Christian Channel of Communication: TWELVE REQUIREMENTS FOR CHRISTIAN CHANNEL TODAY

The evidences, therefore, are overwhelming that the anointed Christian remnant among Jehovah’s witnesses today comprise the collective channel of communication.

Watchtower Online Library — Christian Channel of Communication: KEEP IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH CHANNEL

Question For The Jehovah’s Witness

If God always had a “visible organization on earth” then when did it start? Was the organization always there or did it start in the 1870s when Charles Taze Russell formed the “Bible Students” and later was carried on by Joseph Franklin Rutherford on January 6, 1917?

If this was the beginning of “Jehovah’s visible organization” was Jehovah without any witnesses for 2000 years? And there was an organization before Russell came why didn’t he just join them, why start his own organization?

Jehovah’s Witnesses originated as a branch of the Bible Student movement, which developed in the United States in the 1870s among followers of Christian Restorationist minister Charles Taze Russell. Bible Student missionaries were sent to England in 1881 and the first overseas branch was opened in London in 1900.

History of Jehovah’s Witnesses — Wikipedia

These are the deceptions of cults they allure unsuspecting individuals by grandiose claims. Please note in the first quote are comparing themselves to the apostles. Men who were divinely inspired through the Holy Spirit, men who the Lord Jesus ordained to preach the Gospel and do works which testified of the Lord Jesus, not an “organization”.

Matthew 10:5-8 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

It’s interesting isn’t it? Just a little something to get you thinking. If you’d like more information on the Watchtower’s history please take a look at this documentary on the Watchtower’s beginnings.

Atheism: The Greatest Deception of Humanity

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn World Religions51 Comments

Atheism

Atheists, in their pride and overwhelming arrogance spend their lives judging God – though by their own claim, do not believe in God yet spend their lives hating and judging Him – and making the claims that God is not real because of the evil that exists in this world. But what atheists fail to realize is that they’re using a moral compass not found in their own atheistic worldview. You see, in their worldview, there are no moral absolutes. No true right, no true wrong. Because if we believe we came from premodorial soup and this all exists from a “Big Bang” with no intelligent design behind it, then what is essentially believed is that intelligence came from non-intelligence.  Morality came from no morality. Conscience came from no conscience.

This is type of thought-process is completely reversed from natural logic and reasoning in the human mind. No, natural logic tells our conscience that something always comes from something. That things don’t just appear out of nowhere with no intent behind it. Yet, atheists put on a false facade of intellect and say the absolute opposite of this natural logic. Atheists revel in being “logical” yet logic tells us that something designed has a Designer. That morality came from a moral standard. Knowledge came from higher knowledge. Wisdom from ultimate wisdom. Intelligence came from supreme intelligence. Human babies come from human mothers. Kittens came from cats. Learning comes from a teacher. A bruise came from a punch. A plane in the air came from the ground. I can go on and on forever listing these things off because the truth that everything came from something saturates the material and natural world around us. Yet – according to atheists, this world and everything in it came from… nothing?!? It is utterly illogical to believe that human thought, emotion, critical thinking, morality, conscience, love, not to mention all the physical aspects of this world – that all of these things would come from absolutely literally nothing.

Yet, though I am following natural human logic found in all of the material and natural world around me, I am the unintelligent one for believing in God. An atheist recently on my blog even had the audacity and blind arrogance to go so far to tell me that I did not have a double bachelors degree from a large respected university even after specifying that I indeed do. I have spent five and a half years of my life along with a little less than a hundred grand only for an atheist to come over to my blog and tell me, after reading one blog post, that I do not have a degree and I’m making it up – merely because he doesn’t like what I wrote and doesn’t agree with it. Why am I mentioning this? Because this kind of attitude, this willingness for atheists to literally say anything (even the most illogical, unreasonable, and foolish things including petty, childish, unfounded personal insults and attacks) in order to uphold and support their worldview, goes to show how they should not be trusted in anything else they believe. But I digress.

With their worldview and fundamental belief system that everything in the natural world came from nothing, they still decide to borrow the Christian worldview to judge the God, albeit claiming simultaneously that He does not exist. How a person can both claim something doesn’t exist yet judge it at the same time is beyond me. But this is the false logic and utter folly of atheism.

For atheists to judge means the atheist is setting a standard at which to judge. A standard of right and wrong. But I ask, how do you know right from wrong and why are you using morality to judge if your existence came from no intelligence, no higher power to which we must be accountable? To do so is borrowing from the biblical perspective in order to prove your atheism, which does not work logically and is therefore refuted immediately. I mean, since you came from a blob with no conscience, who are you to even say evil is wrong? Who are you to judge anything? Who are you to make claims what is right or is wrong, when you literally came from a blob? Therefore, you can’t say murder is wrong. You can’t say rape is wrong. You can’t say kidnapping is wrong, because oh, you are just a blob from nothing and you have no right to tell anyone else what is right or wrong, because they might not adhere to your morality (which you inherited from God).

Absolute morality (morality that you ascribe to), proves the existence of God because it means that all of humanity is ascribing to a higher morality, which had to have come from somewhere and would never come from a blob of chemicals from a big bang. You may say there is no absolute morality which means there is no higher morality (God) to adhere to). But oh, there is. Please answer this: is it always wrong to kill babies merely for one’s own personal pleasure? Think critically and honestly.

The answer is yes. And since the answer is yes, then there is indeed a moral absolute. And if there’s a moral absolute, where does it come from? A moral absolute set across humanity must come from something – or Someone – higher than us. And if there is one higher than us, then we are accountable to Him.

And His name is Jesus Christ. And everyone, including all of those angry atheists, know it.

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Revelation 1:8)

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:31)

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. (1 Corinthians 3:19)

 

Are Atheists Miserable Without God?

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn World Religions173 Comments

man-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-rock-during-night-time-3483524

The short answer? Yes. The long answer? Please read on to find out.

An atheist recently responded to one of my recent posts, titled “When You Live Your Life Apart From God“. You can read the original post here.

This individual claims no belief in God, yet states to possess a meaningful life full of purpose even though he denies the very God who put breath in his lungs. Are his claims true? Let us consider the atheistic view in light of scripture to find out.

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. (Isaiah 1:18-20)

So, this written work is to address all atheists who do not believe in God, who try to lean on flawed humanistic logic above perfect divine truth.

This atheist who responded to my blog post inherently believes that he refuted the notion that the human soul needs God for salvation, purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. However, he will never be able to refute this because truth cannot be refuted.

Atheism relies heavily on scientific “proof”. This science that atheists rely on for their worldview is actually pseudo-science, not true science. Because true science does not disprove God, it only leads to the truth of God’s existence. For instance, when we look at an automobile, it would be completely irrational to believe that the car made itself or came together from absolutely nothing. Can you imagine 4 perfect rounded wheels, each the exact same size, just forming from a big purposeless and chaotic explosion? Can you imagine a fan engine materializing from thin air, a muffler appearing from nowhere? Can you imagine all of these components (along with hundreds of other parts) of an automobile coming together in perfect puzzled unison to create a working car?!

No, that is utterly irrational and foolish to think that it just came from a big bang. But why is it so difficult to believe that human beings, animals, nature, the earth – which is inherently so much more complex, mysterious and beautiful than a man-made car – why is it so hard to believe that humans and animals and nature came and formed ultimately from an explosion and that ‘nothing‘ created it?

If you are of a humbled mind, you can see how absurd this would be. We all know it takes an entire team of mechanical, electrical, electronic, software, and safety engineers, create automobiles; multiple disciplines working together. It takes intelligence, intent, work, power, planning, mathematics, preciseness, and effort to create an automobile. Yet, in the mind of an atheist, the human body, which is so much more detailed, intricate, and complex…came from absolutely no intelligent design. It came from nothing in the mind of an atheist. Because of this, life is completely meaningless to an atheist, including his and her own life.

It isn’t just the human form that is intricate and complex, this holds true for every little thing in existence. Every little thing, even from the tiniest ant to a leaf, to a single snowflake, to the majestically grandeur mountains, to the single wing of a bird, to the sun, to the human heart, is so complex and so obviously designed, that it is absolutely irrational to think it was not created. How can one think everything came from nothing? Nothing cannot produce anything because it is…well, nothing. Even if in the beginning matter did exist, matter is still considered something and being that matter is not eternal energy, it will eventually fizzle out. Something or Someone had to exist before matter. And whether you believe or not does not change His existence. God is the Creator of all this through Jesus Christ.

The Bible has something to say about those who do not believe in God. God’s word says atheists are a fool because deep inside they know God exists yet they suppress that truth deep down inside the pit of their soul. Their deep hatred for God causes them to suppress the truth regarding His existence. They do not disbelieve in God; indeed, they believe in Him, yet have hatred for Him so they refuse to humble themselves. This is why you see atheists get ruffled up by Christians so often – because Christians are speaking the truth of what atheists, deep down in the core of their soul know is true yet hate with a passionate hatred. They are convicted in the presence of truth (Christians).

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 14:1)

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:19-20)

Atheist like to trust in their intellect which will never bring them to actual truth, because human intellect can and will never supersede God who made man’s mind, the Creator must supersede His own creation.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

What atheists don’t realize, to their own destruction, is that their “intellect” gives them a false hope. They hope for nothing in this world and believe in nothing which makes their life of the upmost meaningless. They can deny being miserable in their spirit all they want, but the truth of the matter is is that their soul is not reconciled to God, and therefore true joy for them will never be found until they trust in Christ.

Trying to make a claim that people in other cultures or religions are happy is a false argument because being outwardly happy or content does not mean they do not need God. Being “outwardly” happy is one thing, but I’m talking about the heart, spirit, and soul – the true self, not the outward self. One can observe another and come to the conclusion they are happy based on superficial findings; however, that person or people group in observation can indeed be miserable although it may be contrary to what they portray to the world. This would be an obvious understanding in rational intellect regarding social behaviour and social normatives, especially given the “false mask” of the Facebook and Instagram age we are currently (and regrettably) in.

Indeed, one simply cannot look on the outside of another and claim to know what is true in their spirit or heart. One, however, can make the determination based on spiritual truths in understanding that the human soul is desperate for God and until that soul turns to its Creator in humble trust and repentance, that soul’s existence is miserable and meaningless. There is no way one can be truly content or have purpose without God.  The fact that other religions (such as Native Americans who practice paganism) worship false and evil “gods” and act in wicked ways according to their false religion proved they are empty and in despair for meaning. They traded the truth of God for a lie, and so atheists you in their disbelief.

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (Romans 1:25)

Atheists are trading the truth of God for the lie of atheism. Atheism leaves individuals hopeless, they live a life devoid of real meaning. Sure you can become rich, acquire cars, homes and other material needs but when you die will you take those things with you? The reason why people become atheists is that they want to be their own god, they want to live in sin, they indulge unrighteousness and drink it up like water. But they don’t want to be accountable to anyone. Atheists do not want to be held accountable for anything in this life. They are saturated in their own pride and refuse to answer to anyone, so they suppress the truth of God and insist they are their own god. They cannot fathom that there’s an authority greater than themselves, an intelligence higher than themselves, and a Creator who demands something from them. So they walk through their life delusional in thinking that flawed and limited man is the highest authority and intelligence in existence. They base their entire worldview on only what they can see, and completely reject what they can’t see as being anything worthy of consideration. Because they can’t see it, they reject it. They claim to lean on science, yet science itself claims that wind and love exists even though it is unseen to the natural eye. This is a false dichotomy. Atheists only believe what fits their agenda, not what the actual truth is.

Atheist’s pride in the end will be destructive to their own soul, once they die and face the judgement of God. When this happens, they will realize that they were wrong about God’s existence and the deception they believed that humanity just appeared here from a Big Bang. They will deeply regret not trusting in Christ and submitting to Him as King of kings and Lord of lords. They will weep and gnash their teeth, wishing they listened to Christians like me speaking the truth about God and salvation. If they continue to submerse themselves in their own pride, walking this earth that they didn’t create, enjoying their family that they didn’t create, enjoying sunsets that they didn’t create, yet stubbornly refusing their very own Creator, they will walk straight to eternal destruction.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)

But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 8:12)

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (Provers 16:18)

Can atheists honestly believe the complexities of the human brain was an accident? The human eye with all it’s intricate muscles which help to focus better and more accurately than a camera just appeared out of nothing? The eyes alone are so precise that they focus or unfocus without you thinking about it, and both your eyes can view objects with much more accuracy than any man-made device. I am confident when I say that just the eye alone is enough to prove immensely and sufficiently of God’s existence.

close-up-portrait-of-human-eye-322070

But atheists fail to see with the eyes that God has given them the truth of His existence and majesty. Looking at His creation, something so small as an eye shows forth His wonders and power, creativeness and beauty. How can they be blind to this, so to speak?

Atheists are foolish because they are living their life breathing with lungs and a heart inside your chest, keeping them alive, that they didn’t put there, yet they try to believe that it just formed from a goop of primordial soup billions of years ago, fast forward to today and all of a sudden here’s a complex, precisely put together human being that is so obviously designed to function with purpose. All of a sudden, here’s a human with so much complexity that trying to fully understand the brain alone would take humanity a million lifetimes. It’s irrational and illogical, devoid of reason. In lieu of this, atheists still esteem themselves as highly intellectual and say those who affirm a Creator are of a lower IQ. Yet, in the same breath, they will proclaim that humans came from apes! What mindless conclusions!

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7)

Indeed, atheists do not possess true intellect, but folly. And unfortunately, folly that will cause them to end up being punished eternally for it if they do not humble themselves before the one true God Jesus Christ, and stop trying to be their own God which will lead them to their own detriment.

The truth is, God did create all of humanity and the world around us whether atheists like it or not, whether they believe it or not, and no matter how superficially happy they claim to be. (Emphasis on superficially).  Truth cannot be changed whether you choose to believe or not; truth remains a fact because God ordained it to be so. Fire consumes wood for-instance, would that change because you choose not to believe it? Of course not, the same holds true for the existence of God.

There’s no fulfillment in life apart from the one true God. That goes for anyone – those who simply believe there is no God, and those worshipping false gods such as Muslims, Hindus, Native Americans, and Jehovah’s witnesses, amongst many others. How can you be fulfilled when you don’t have salvation of your soul? You are living in complete and utter darkness and there’s nothing you can do outside of God to be truly fulfilled, you’re life is but a vapour:

James 4:14-16 Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye [ought] to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

Because you do not believe the truth of God, you are blind, deaf, and in darkness:

 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. [But to those who trusted in Christ], But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. (Matthew 13:13-15).

There’s only one truth. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. There aren’t many ways, there is only one way. There aren’t many truths, there is only one truth. There is only life found in Christ, and if you have not life in Christ, you are spiritually dead and do not have life at all.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

Either there is a God, or there isn’t a God. How can you (an atheist) look at all the beauty of the world and think that there is no intelligent creator who created all of this?! When you look into the mathematical aspect of nature and creation, you’ll see that everything is mathematically precise. Look up the Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio. There’s literal coding behind ALL existence, including your DNA, which proves of an intelligent Creator behind all of creation. You think a big explosion could create perfect and precise mathematical code? Absolutely not. And you are sincerely deceived and living in falsity, to your own detriment. You’ve been lied to about your religion (atheism) and accepted it as truth, but it is not truth, it is only a lie – one that is unfortunately sending multitudes of people to hell.

Fibonacci-spirals

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (Romans 1:18-23, 28-32)

Your rejection of God and the gospel will have severe consequences on your own soul. You can lie to your heart all you want that you don’t need God and that you’re perfectly content without him, but God knows your heart and that you are simply deceiving yourself. You need Jesus Christ, He is God in the flesh who is the only answer to true salvation, love, fulfillment. You will end up in hell and be lost forever if you do not let go of your pride and arrogance and finally surrender to the God who created you.

In regards to the meaninglessness of an atheist, I do not say that the family of an atheist is meaningless, I made the statement that family is a gift from God and it’s beautiful and wonderful. I’m certain that there are many atheists who love their family and find fulfillment in it, but you see, my point is that familial fulfillment will only last but a moment in the grand scheme of your existence – what really matters is not your earthly family, but your soul and the souls in your family, and where those souls will end up once they breathe their last breath. At the end of the day, if you and your family end up in hell for not trusting in Christ, your life spent enjoying your family will be meaningless. If you end up in hell, everything is meaningless.

Jesus Christ spoke of a rich man who placed his hope in riches and in the “fulfillments” of this world. Tragically, he regretted it afterwards when it was too late.

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that [would come] from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (Luke 16:19-31).

The reason atheists lack wisdom, knowledge and logic and cannot comprehend truth is because they have no fear of God. The Bible says only those who fear (respect, worship, honour) the LORD are the ones with true wisdom and knowledge. Those who deny Him have no understanding at all.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. (Psalm 111:10)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

If you do not turn to Him, you will regret it. Atheists, I plead with you in love to think on these things. I know in your mind, because you cannot physically see God, that He doesn’t exist. But what about love and wind? You can’t see those either. There is more to life than being a blob formed from primordial soup, being formed with no intentions, no love, no power behind why you exist. You exist for a reason, not by accident. It’s not me who is claiming that your life is meaningless, it is you that claims your own life is meaningless by your own belief system and your own life. Because you believe that you were not specially and purposefully created by God, nobody and nothing is special to you because you’re just a happenstance. Life isn’t special to you because nothing chose to create your life. By your own life and beliefs, you claim misery and purposeless. Without God, there is no purpose or meaning or joy.

You can give all the reasons not to believe in God (none of which are valid), but just the fact that you have life and exist should convince you enough. But you’re in darkness and therefore cannot see. You’re deaf and cannot hear the truth. Your deceived so you can not comprehend the truth. But I pray that your eyes open that they may see the truth, your ears open so that they may hear the truth, and your mind turn to the light of truth and reject the darkness you have been living in.

If you don’t trust in Jesus Christ repent and turn to Him for the forgiveness of your sins, you will end up separated from Him for all eternity. I don’t want that for you or anyone, which is why I took the time to write this in a post. This is all said in love but if I truly love, I will be honest and that’s what I have done. I will pray that you will put your faith in Jesus so that you may have true life.

I plead with all atheists who read this to please search the scriptures with an open heart. Realize that you could be mistaken in your belief that there is no God, and humble yourself before Him. Turn to Him and believe on His name and you can have eternal life. To be free of a meaningless life, you must possess eternal life. Without it, death resides. Please think of these things written here today before it is too late and you take your last breath. you never know when that last breath may be. Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation.

God loves you more than you can ever fathom, more than you have ever felt, and beyond what you can comprehend. He’s worth trusting, He’s worth loving, He’s worthy of your faith. Please stop believing in yourself as your saviour, and start believing in the only One who can save you and the only one worthy of worship: Jesus Christ the one true God. Please seek Him before you die and it’s too late. Grab a bible and read. It’s where the only truth lies.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Please watch this documentary, it is very eye-opening.

I pray atheists will see the truth.

That they are indeed miserable without God.

 

Christadelphians “Doctrines to be Rejected” 2

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn ChristadelphiansLeave a comment

If you’ve been following along, last time we took a look at one of the Christadelphians core beliefs. The Christadelphians deny that God is three persons, a common error you’ll find with groups such as these is they deviate from fundamental Christian beliefs. If you missed the article you can read it here: Christadelphians “Doctrines to be Rejected” We reject the doctrine that God is three persons.

We reject The Son of God was co-eternal with the Father.

This article is to compare the Jesus of the Christadelphians with the Lord Jesus of the Bible. Paul the apostle said to the saints in Corinth that it was possible to be deceived by an another Jesus, another spirit and another gospel. We endeavour to seek the truth of God’s word so that we’re not deceived into believing in a Jesus which cannot save us from our sins.

2 Corinthians 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him].

As Christians it’s simple to know when a religion tries to pass off their version of Jesus as being “just a prophet” or “just a good teacher”. We can agree Jesus Christ is a prophet and teacher but to believers He’s much much more! Identifying non-Christian cults is more tricky as they tend to use the same biblical terminology but with different meanings, that’s what makes them dangerous.

Some religions have suggested that their gods have sexual relations with mortals. The account of the birth of Jesus is not like this at all. The one true God, who created all life, created His Son in the womb of Mary. Jesus was truly the son of Mary and truly the Son of God; a child miraculously formed in her womb by the Spirit power of the Creator Himself. — Who is Jesus?

(christadelphia.org)

Please pay close attention to the quote, notice the Christadelphians believe that Jesus Christ was “created in the womb”. They deny His pre-existence, what this article will seek to prove is that Jesus Christ indeed pre-exist before the incarnation. A classical way to prove this would be to start where most would in the Gospel of John but we’re not going to do that, we other scriptures which prove who is Jesus Christ.

The book of Psalms gives us an answer when compared with other scriptures, king David a man after God’s own heart was also called a prophet (Acts 2:29-30) he prayed to the LORD saying:

Psalm 102:1 [[A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD.]] Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.

It’s a prayer to God how do we know? Because he says “Hear my prayer, O LORD”. We established this is a prayer to God later on in verses 25-27 we’re told about the attributes of the LORD.

Psalm 102:25-27 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens [are] the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou [art] the same, and thy years shall have no end.

The verses above tell us that God “laid the foundation of the earth” and created the heavens. The immutable unchanging eternal LORD God will never perish and will remain forever, but the earth and heavens will perish. Keeping our place turn with me to the book of Hebrews chapter 1.

In Hebrews the focus is the Lord Jesus Christ, Hebrews chapter 1 talks about how Christ is better than all the angels, therefore Christ cannot be an angel (sorry Jehovah Witnesses). The chapter tells us that God spoke to us in various ways, those ways are through the Old Testament prophets and fathers but in these last days was spoken by His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2)

Continuing down in verse 8 the Father calls the Son God saying the Son’s throne will last forever.

Hebrews 1:8 But unto the Son [he saith], Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness [is] the sceptre of thy kingdom.

Notice that the writer of Hebrews is quoting from Psalm 45:6-7 and is directly applying them to Jesus Christ in verses 8, 9 but that’s not the main point, it’s the next 3 verses we’re interested in.

Hebrews 1:10-12 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

Please note the quote from Psalm 102:25-27 and Hebrews 1:10-12 are word for word the same. This shows that Jesus Christ created the heavens and the earth because He’s God. The final nail in the coffin of the Christiadelphian beliefs is found in the book of Isaiah in which we have the LORD saying He created everything alone by Himself.

Isaiah 44:24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I [am] the LORD that maketh all [things]; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

Now if Jesus is not God but created as the Christadelphians would suggest then that would be a contradiction in God’s word. We know that God’s word never contradicts even if it seems like one, therefore, we know that Jesus Christ did in fact pre-exist. There you have it straight from God’s word, Jesus Christ is God!

Other scriptures which prove His deity are: John 1:1-3 (All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.), Colossians 1:15-17 (…For by him were all things created,…), John 8:58 (…Before Abraham was, I am.).

As always feel free to like or comment and until next time God bless.

Learn more about the Christadelphian cult from these sites:

When You Live Your Life Apart From God

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn Uncategorized9 Comments

apart from God

When you live your life apart from God…

You may seem like you have things under control. You feel like you don’t need Him, because you can’t see Him, and if you can’t see Him, then you don’t need Him. You trust in yourself and what you can do. Your heart feels like an empty pit of darkness and purposeless because you walk around this earth not even knowing why you have breath in your lungs. You spend your life trying to fill that emptiness you have with things like sexual immorality, pornography, gambling, drinking, money, or even good things such as family, security, job, and staying busy. Family is one of the most beautiful things given to us by the Lord in this life, but if you have a family without God? Meaningless. It’s all meaningless without God. But with God, everything is meaningful.

Yet apart from God, no matter what you turn to, whether it be something dark and sinful like pornography, or something “clean” and seemingly fulfilling such as family, your strivings to fill that void within your soul are in vain because you realize at the end of the day, you’re still empty. You yourself can never fill that void, nor the things you try to fill it with.

You thought climbing up the ladder socially, financially, educationally, and occupationally would give you the “perfect” life and the ultimate happiness. The American dream, right?

Wrong. Because in this quest for total life fulfillment you failed to turn to the only One who can give your heart and soul purpose, the only One who can give you fulfillment and satisfaction, the only One who can save your soul. You spend your life denying God and His existence, yet you seek lesser and temporal joys that always leave you more and more empty. You realize you have it all on the outside but are still empty in your heart.

When you live your life apart from God…

You fall into to addictions such as drugs, prescriptions, pornography, and alcohol because that desire to fill that void inside of your heart and soul became out of control and the need to fill it was unquenched, so thus began the seed of addiction. Your need to be filled has spiraled into complete uncontrollable urges to keep up with that dopamine hit and that rush. But it always leaves you feeling empty and in despair, once it is over. And, it will always end. It is temporal and leaves you more shattered every single time you indulge in these things, because even though these things may give you a pleasurable hit, it is devastating to the well-being of your soul.

When you live your life apart from God…

You are walking on this earth and your eternal destiny is hell. You work and work and work to get ahead in this life and stock up the riches and the big family and the big house with a pool, only to die and live in eternal judgement where none of the things you acquired on this earth will even matter to you in the slightest, because it’s all over. You spent your life seeking everything but God, and now it’s too late and there are consequences. You will live your life apart from God, and then die and see His glorious face in judgement. There, you will realize that your entire life was spent in vain and you will weep and gnash your teeth and cry for a second chance…but there will no longer be any chances.

for God

When you live your life for God…

You recognize that you are a sinner and you have sinned against a holy, righteous, perfect God. You recognize that God is just and good, and that you will be judged because you have broken His law. You recognize that you are completely useless to try and save yourself or win God’s favor by anything you do. You recognize that all of your “good works” are filthy rags because everything you do is tainted by sin, and God sees all things – even a grain of impurity. You recognize that because of this, you are destined for eternal punishment in hell because just like a just judge in a courtroom will not let broken laws go unpunished, a holy God even more so will not let those who broke His perfect law go unpunished. You realize, with fear and trembling, that Hell awaits you once you die. And you turn to Him.

When you live your life for God…

You become helpless to do anything to go to heaven yourself. You recognize that you are desperate for a Saviour, and it is only found in the Lord Jesus Christ, the One true God. You recognize that He is absolutely perfect, lived the perfect life you cannot live and kept God’s law perfectly the way you would never be able to. You recognize that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, shedding His perfect blood for you, and rose again three days later.

And you put your faith and trust in Him, letting go of everything and falling into His eternal arms, trusting in His forgiveness and love and mercy and grace. When this happens, your soul is saved for all eternity.

When you live your life for God…

You realize that your time on earth is short, but you are on your way to Heaven. Death no longer scares you, and you know that you are loved immensely by the God who made you. You now have a desire for Him, to talk about Him, read His word, preach the gospel – you live, breath, and live more for God! He captures your every thought, and He fills your mind. You fall in love with Him as you see His creation as a display of His own beauty. You live your life with the burdens of sins on your shoulders lifted. You live your life with your soul satisfied knowing you have a personal relationship with Christ that will never, ever, ever end. You know that whatever happens, God is in control. You have peace that any hardships that occur, God will work it out for your good. You know that the things of this world are only temporal, so you don’t put your heart or trust in them. You are free from the bondages of this world to live for Christ and Christ alone, and you have the love of God in your heart for the first time – a love that is so immense that it takes your breath away.

When you live your life apart from God…

You are dead.

When you live your life for God…

You are truly living.

bible

The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. (Ecclesiastes 1:1-2)

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 13.50)

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2: 1-10)

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (Matthew 22:37)

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Christadelphians “Doctrines to be Rejected”

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn ChristadelphiansLeave a comment

A Little history

The Christadelphians are a non-Trinitarian, millennial non-Christian group which was started by Dr. John Thomas who was born in London England. He immigrated to the United States in 1832. Thomas was a member of the Campbellite group known as the Disciples, after leaving the Campbellites he started Christadelphian movement.

Read up on previous post concerning the Christadelphians: Examining Cults (Christadelphians) | Why The Christadelphians Are A Cult. | Common Traits Among The Cults | Common Traits Among The Cults #2 | Common Traits Among The Cults #3 | Common Traits Among The Cults #4

Marks of a cult

A group that states they believe in the Bible and are Christians but in some way divert from the biblical teaching of Christianity aren’t Christian at all. In-fact all cults will in some way try to include “works” as a means of obtaining salvation.

“Doctrinally, the Christadelphians are unique in Christendom in our understanding of the nature of Christ, and the way in which we are redeemed by his death. We reject as unbiblical the idea that Christ could die as a replacement sacrifice for us, thus covering all our sins forever with that one act. Certainly it is through his sacrifice that we may be forgiven, but only if we walk the path of self-denial that he marked out for us.” — (christadelphia.org)

As the late Dr. Walter Martin put it “the Christadelphians a very small cult, …but very influential”. This quote from Martin given at a talk he gave about the Jehovah Witnesses and the doctrines the Watchtower absorbed from the Christadelphians through Charles Taze Russell. Jehovah Witnesses are one of the worlds largest cult behind Mormonism so we can see how a small cult influenced another. Both cults deny the Trinity or Godhead and this is where our focus will be.

We reject the doctrine that God is three persons.

The Christadelphians are a “restorationist” group, this Movement began in the United States during the “Second Great Awakening” (1790–1840) of the early 19th century. A lot of cults developed during this time due to much confusion of what the Bible teaches and claims of “new revelation” from God, some notable mentions are Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses and Christian Science.

Getting to the doctrine of the Trinity this is what one of their online pamphlets “One God or a Trinity?“ has to say.

“So far in this booklet everything that was said was supported by quotes from the Bible, and only the Bible. However when discussing the Trinity that will not be possible, because the Trinity is something that originates from outside the Bible. Nowhere in the Bible do we find the word ‘Trinity’, nor do we find the Trinitarian terms ‘God the son’ or ‘God the Holy Spirit’. Religious historians and commentators, who believe in the doctrine of the Trinity, admit that the doctrine is not a teaching from the Old Testament:” — One God or a Trinity? (christadelphia.org)

Must the words “God the Son” or “God the Holy Spirit” be expressed in this exact same way in order for the Trinity to be true? The word “Bible” is nowhere to be found yet we all agree to the word of God as being the Bible. The doctrine of the Trinity (Godhead) is found all throughout the scriptures.

To start John the apostle says “no man hath seen God at anytime” in the Gospel of John.

John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him].

John 6:46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.

1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

John is very clear no man has seen God, but what does that mean? In the second verse quoted John says “Not that any man hath seen the Father” and we can all agree that the Father is God, I don’t think anyone would disagree on that. If that’s so does the Bible contradict itself? Absolutely not, not by any means therefore let us consider other passages in scripture.

Adam and Eve were the first man and woman created by God yet they walked with God in the garden (Genesis 2:15-3:24). They enjoyed direct fellowship with God before being removed from the garden after they sinned.

Abraham saw God and even had a meal prepared by Sarah for Him Genesis 18:1 “And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;” read Genesis chapter 18 for the entire account.

Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead [it], and make cakes upon the hearth.

Hagar also saw God when she ran away and encountered the LORD in the desert (Genesis 16:9-16) God then told her she would have a son and to call him Ishmael.

Moses saw God and spake with him mouth to mouth (Numbers 12:8). Others who saw God include Jacob, Isaiah, David, Job, Gideon, Manoah and his wife. Plenty of accounts in the Old Testament with people seeing God, yet in John’s Gospel we read “Not that any man hath seen the Father…”. The question must be asked, who then did they see?

Old Testament and New Testament quotations

The Christadelphians affirm that the Father is God, as do all Christians but they are stuck logically when we compare verses such as in the book of Isaiah and the Gospel of John we read:

Isaiah 6:1-4 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, [is] the LORD of hosts: the whole earth [is] full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.

Here we have the vision of Isaiah seeing the Lord sitting upon His throne. If you could ask Isaiah who did he see Isaiah would say he saw God Almighty. Keeping this in mind and reading in John’s Gospel the apostle answers the question of who Isaiah saw on the throne.

John 12:41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

John tells us that Isaiah saw Jesus Christ in that vision and Isaiah says he saw the Lord. We must come to the conclusion that if the Bible has no contradictions which we believe does not. Then it’s straight forward to see Jesus Christ is God Almighty just as the Father and the Holy Spirit are also God Almighty.

It is a serious error on the part of the Christadelphians and the position they hold to is one concerning salvation. As they reject the fact Jesus is God then they cannot be saved no this premise alone as well as many other heretical beliefs they hold.

We beseech you if you’re part of this cult be aware you’re being mislead by false doctrine. We will be examining point by point more of the beliefs of the Christadelphians. The Bible tells us to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them (Ephesians 5:11). The Christadelphians teach another gospel which is not another and are accursed because of it.

Galatians 1:6-8 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

You can still come to know the true God of the Bible, Jesus Christ can be your redeemer if you place your trust in Him and in Him alone. We hope you enjoyed this reading, feel free to leave any comments. God bless and praise the Lord Jesus our Lord and our God (John 20:28).

1 Timothy 1:15 This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Additional sites to research Christadelphianism

  1. allaboutcults.org
  2. christianlibrary.org
  3. evangelical-times.org

Kobe Bryant dies at 41

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

NBA legend Kobe Bryant, 41, died Sunday in a helicopter crash. Fatal crash: Bryant was one of nine people who died when the helicopter they were in crashed on a hillside in Calabasas, California. Among the victims was Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna.

What a tragic event it is when a soul is lost for all eternity. I’m sure Kobe Bryant enjoyed the fame and publicity which came from being a basketball star, but if he could speak right now I’m certain it wouldn’t be about basketball. It would be about knowing his Creator knowing Jesus Christ before passing away.

Here’s a man who had everything going for him yet with all the wealth accumulated, fame and fortune what did it profit him in the end? He couldn’t take any of it with him and if Kobe never got saved by trusting in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of his sins; then as sad as it is to say Kobe is forever separated from God.

I hope that when he was alive he trusted in the Lord Jesus and was saved, as far as I know Kobe Bryant was not a believer in Jesus Christ. And if not then tragically he’s in hell. This reminds me of what the Lord Jesus said about the rich man and Lazarus in the Gospel of Luke. Read it for yourself and determine if being rich is worth more than knowing Christ.

The Rich Man and Lazarus

Luke 16:19-31 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that [would come] from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

It is with out sincerest condolences that our hearts go out to the Bryant family. While this is a great tragedy perhaps this will wake up his family that they may see that life is fleeting. One day you’re here and the next moment you’re not. May we all take heed to the words of the Lord Jesus.

Luke 13:1-5 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Please it is our hope that you would trust in Christ Jesus and live by receiving eternal life as the free gift offered to you through Jesus Christ.

Answering Jehovah Witnesses Objections (Heaven)

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn Jehovah WitnessesLeave a comment

The following quote from the Watchtower (Jehovah Witnesses) is concerning who will be in heaven. According to Jehovah Witnesses they believe that there are 2 groups, the first group is the “anointed class” of Jehovah Witnesses; the second group is referred to as “the great crowd”.

The Jehovah Witnesses teach that only 144,000 anointed Christians will be in heaven ruling with Jesus Christ as kings and priest. The great crowd will remain to live on paradise earth for all eternity.

WHERE WILL THE GREAT CROWD LIVE?

Here’s what the Watchtower says:

Christendom generally does not teach the Scriptural truth that one day obedient humans will live forever on earth. (2 Cor. 4:3, 4) Today, most religions in Christendom teach that all good people go to heaven when they die. It was different, however, with the small group of Bible Students who were publishing the Watch Tower in the late 1800’s. They understood that God would restore Paradise on earth and that millions of obedient humans would live here on earth​—not in heaven. However, it took time for them to discern clearly who these obedient humans would be.​—Matt. 6:10.

What Jehovah Witnesses do is they will say that “the light is getting brighter” to cover up any false teachings they have and then will change their teachings to another belief. They derive this from the book of proverbs.

Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

They misinterpret and take this verse in proverbs to say that understanding of God’s word gets brighter. Thereby they can retract false prophecies and teachings at their own leisure. Is that what this verse means?

If we read scripture in context and read the verse before and after we will see the true meaning of Proverbs 4:18

Proverbs 4:17-19 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked [is] as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

Notice the context is a contrast between a wicked person and a just or righteous person. It has nothing to do with understanding God’s word because the light gets brighter but I digress.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT WHO WILL BE IN HEAVEN?

The concept of the great crowd comes from the book of Revelation, the Watchtower takes this verse in Revelation saying only 144,000 (Revelation 7:4-8) will be in heaven.

Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

If we read past Revelation 7:4-8 to the end of the chapter we are actually given the location of the 144,000 and the great crowd.

Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

In Revelation 7:9 it says both the 144,000 and the great multitude/crowd is standing “before the throne”, this is a vision of heaven. They are also standing before God who’s on the throne and the Lamb. That’s not all we also are told the angels, elders and four beast worshipped before the throne.

Revelation 7:10-12 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and [about] the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

It’s very important that when we witness to cults to read the context of the verses as cult like to remove a text and try to put their own spin on it to support their own theology.

What do you think is the Watchtower right or the Bible? Study the scriptures for yourself and see what’s the truth, here are some verses on the subject.

1. Heaven is reserved for:

RighteousMat 25:34, 37
Changed, saved1Cr 15:51; Jhn 3:5, 18, 21
Called, obedient2Pe 1:10, 11; Rev 22:14
All members of one Body, not heavenly class and earthly class1Cr 12:12-31
All in one Fold with one ShepherdJhn 10:16

2. Believers In Heaven Are:

Citizens of HeavenPhl 3:20
Partakers of the Heavenly callingHbr 3:1

3. Old Testament Believers Are There:

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in HeavenMat 8:11
All the prophets with themLuk 13:28
Desire a better country, a heavenly oneHbr 11:8-16

4. Christ Dwells Among Them:

Four beasts and twenty-four eldersRev 5:8-10
One-hundred and forty-four thousandRev 14:1-5
Great multitudeRev 7:9-17

5. The 144,000 Will Not Be Chosen Until The 6th Seal Is Broken:

The 6th seal is brokenRev 6:12
Day of wrath comesRev 6:17
After the day of wrathRev 7:1-3
144,000 are sealedRev 7:4-8
The 7th seal is brokenRev 8:1

6. Heaven And Earth Will All Be One:

New Heavens and EarthRev 21:1
The overcoming ones shall inherit all things including Heaven and EarthRev 21:7; Eph 1:10

As you can see heaven is not only for the 144,000, it is for everyone who has trusted in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. Feel free to leave your comments and thanks for reading. God bless.