In this article we’ll take a look at how God has the ability to see what no one else can. If you’ve ever asked someone if they’re living a life for God you may hear this phrase “God knows my heart”. And He sure does know our heart, He created us and knows every last detail concerning His creation. Previous articleJesus Christ is God (Galatians Chapter 1)
If only God knows a person’s heart, then what do the scriptures say concerning the Lord Jesus Christ; does Jesus have the ability to know our heart? That’s what we’re going to establish by looking at the text of scripture.
The Psalmist David wrote that God tries our hearts, God knows our motives and with His divine eyes can see right into our hearts.
Psalm 7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.
The Psalmist goes unto say in Psalm 26 “Examine me”, just like an x-ray the LORD knows the inner dwellings of your heart.
Psalm 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
The prophet Jeremiah proclaimed the LORD will judge righteously and will test or try the reins of our heart.
Jeremiah 11:20 But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.
Again Jeremiah tells us the LORD searches the hearts of men but not only will He search our heart, He will also give us according to our ways. This means God knows if a person is wicked and not saved. If that person dies without salvation the LORD will give the individual what they deserve which is eternal judgement in the lake of fire.
Jeremiah 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings.
The LORD will try every man and woman there’s nothing that’s hidden from God He sees it all.
Jeremiah 20:12 But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, [and] seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.
The last verse is from the apostle John here the context is speaking of Jesus Christ and the second coming of Christ. Jesus says “I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts:”. Wait hold on one minute, we read that only God can “search the reins and hearts” and now we see that the Lord Jesus can do the same.
Revelation 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
We are forced to believe the only logical conclusion is that Jesus Christ is God. No one else besides God can see into the heart of man. There you have it Jesus Christ is God because He can do the same as the Father. And if you haven’t trusted Christ for salvation do so now. Because tomorrow is not guaranteed. One day Jesus Christ is going to search your heart and if you’re found outside of Christ then hell awaits. Therefore give your life to Jesus Christ today and you’ll be given eternal life.
There are faiths in the world that adhere to “keeping the Law”, exactly what does that mean? When asked the question do you keep the Law, the individual is asking do you keep the Law of Moses which was given at Mt. Sinai. You can find details to this in the book of Exodus chapter 20 in which God gives the children of Israel commandments to observe.
It’s worth mentioning that while most recognise this as “The Ten Commandments” in actuality there are 613 commandments God gave at Mt. Sinai, the Ten Commandments are a condensed version of all the 613 commandments.
An important question to ask is are Christians are required to keep the Law? To clear up any confusion in regards to the topic at hand, I will be straightforward in saying, New Testament Christians we are not required to “keep the Law” allow me to explain.
The Purpose Of The Law
Believers do not disregard the Law as “not important” the Law is important and serves its purposes. For instance, the Law is Holy and good (Romans 7:12) it shows forth God’s moral character of perfection. The God we serve is a thrice Holy God (Isaiah 6:3). The first 5 commandments give us clear understanding of who God is and our relationship to God Himself (Exodus 20:3-11). The remaining 5 address our relationship with our fellow man (Exodus 20:12-17).
Another purpose the Law serves is to show us our sin, like a mirror it reflects ourselves back at us. God commands us to never lie and we can all agree that we’ve all lied at some time in our lives. If we had to think about how many lies we’ve told during the course of our lives it would be too many to remember. We’re told that the Law was not made for the righteous but for ungodly sinners.
1 Timothy 1:9-10 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
The Law exposes sin and makes sin exceeding sinful (Romans 7:13) and death comes through the transgression of the Law. The book of Romans is great to read concerning how the Law applies to our transgression of the Law.
The final purpose of the Law serves as a tutor or schoolmaster to bring us to Christ (Galatians 3:24). By seeing ourselves through the Law and the fact that we can’t keep it because none of us is perfect an alarm should go off in our head. Our conscience should be screaming “I’m in trouble with God!”, this would show you the need for a Saviour. The Law is there as a reminder to the children of Israel also to show them the need for a Christ.
Law vs Grace
Believer, take heed if you ever come across someone who tells you that you must keep the Law of Moses or any strict rule-keeping for salvation know this is false. There are cults who teach you must believe and adhere to “keeping the Law”. Groups who teach these things either upfront or subtly are Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, Islam, Christadelphians, Black Hebrew Israelites etc.
They won’t admit it but they all depend on a works-based salvation, it’s Jesus plus their good deeds. The Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-10). These groups look to gain God’s favour by working for it and the Bible is clear that there’s nothing you can do to merit salvation (Isaiah 64:6).
Legalism
The term legalism is similar in that it’s still “works-based” even though you may not be referring to “The Law of Moses” as a basis but the individual is still depending on themselves to do certain things in order to remain in right standing with God. This is also called strict rule-keeping.
A group that comes to mind is a cult based in Australia (Exclusive Brethren), all men must wear white shirts with white buttons. Another rule they have is a member’s home must not share the same drainage or their home cannot touch an unbeliever’s house (adjoining walls).
The Seventh Day Adventist cult also falls into this “rule-keeping” they have strict dietary rules such as vegetarian diets and keeping the Sabbath. Here’s a quote from the SDA website concerning proper health in the eyes of the Advent movement.
“Exercise and avoidance of harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol and mind-altering substances lead to clear minds and wise choices. A well-balanced vegetarian diet that avoids the consumption of meat coupled with intake of legumes, whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables, along with a source of vitamin B12, will promote vigorous health.” – SDA
Notice in the above statement “A well-balanced vegetarian diet that avoids the consumption of meat” Adventists are to avoid meat, this is a perfect picture of legalism and any group you come across who do such things should be avoided.
Christ the End of the Law
The Lord Jesus said in the synoptic Gospels while giving the sermon on the mount indirect reference to the Law, He said: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” (Matthew 5:17). The Law condemns sin and is used to stop every mouth or person who would seek to exalt themselves; proclaiming a person guilty before God (Romans 3:19).
We see the importance of the Law that it’s Holy and good, it exposes sin and causes sinners to come to a knowledge of themselves that they would repent and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. The Lord Jesus rescued us (believers), He lived a perfect life under the Law fulfilling all the requirements of God which you and I could never do; redeeming us that we may be adopted into the family of God (Galatians 4:4–5).
The Lord Jesus Christ is the believers’ ark in the same way Noah and his family were saved when they entered the ark by faith (Hebrews 11:7) before the world was flooded for its ungodliness (2 Peter 2:5). The Law should move you to fear that you also would take refuge in the ark which is Christ Jesus.
Believers Relationship To The Law
Therefore, anyone who’s saved in Christ is not condemned under the Law (Romans 8:1) through Christ we establish the Law (Romans 3:31) while not being affected by the Law. As Christ has “abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances;” (Ephesians 2:15). The unbeliever is not as fortunate because they are still condemned by the Law not being saved.
When a person comes to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ it’s never because of what they can do for God, it’s what God has done for you. Salvation is given freely by God’s grace to the one that does not work (Romans 4:4-5). If you really don’t understand how a person is saved without works/the Law my recommendation to you is to really study the book of Romans and Galatians.
Romans deals with how the Law condemns all sin making everyone guilty before God and in need of Jesus Christ, while Galatians teaches that we cannot mix our works with the saving grace of God. God does all the saving, that said in the post will be focusing on the Law of Christ in contradistinction to this post; Lord willing. God bless.
The LORD God Almighty made a proclamation that the children of Israel have forsaken Him and identified Himself as “the fountain of living waters”. This should ring a bell bringing your attention to a particular event that we’re taught in the Bible found in the New Testament. Previous article Jesus Christ is God Psalm 27:1, John 1:5
Jeremiah 2:13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
In the New Testament, we have the account of the Samaritan woman. When the Lord Jesus sent His disciples into the village He spake with the woman at Jacob’s well. After asking the woman for a drink of water she said: “How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?”. He told her that He will give her “living waters”. This is textual proof that shows the Lord Jesus is Almighty God because only God Almighty can give “living waters”.
John 4:10, 13-15 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. … Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
Now do not be mistaken, I’m not saying that Jesus Christ is God the Father, neither is He the Holy Spirit. But as you can see from the plain reading of the text the Lord Jesus can do the same as the Father. Jesus said again in the Gospel of John “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink”, once again this is proof of the deity of Christ.
John 7:37 In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
We then conclude with the book of Revelation the universal call to all which says “whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely”. Anyone who would like to have eternal life is told to come to Jesus Christ to drink of the water of life.
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
It is our hope and prayer that you would take of this living water, the water of life which the Lord Jesus would freely give unto you if you would come to Him.
God is light and being a perfect God is Holy, He’s the opposite of darkness; therefore, God would be light Himself. It’s plain to see all throughout the scriptures all good things come from the Father of lights. Previous article Jesus Christ is God John 17:3, 1 John 5:20
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
The Pentateuch
In the beginning of our Bibles, God (Elohim) spoke these words “let there be light” and there was (Genesis 1:3). At that moment darkness was divided from the light (Genesis 1:4) and we know that the LORD never has any part or affiliation with darkness.
When the Lord delivered the children of Israel from the bondage of Egypt, Israel was given light from the LORD, as He lead them through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21). God protected them from the Egyptian army which sought to destroy them. God kept the Egyptians separated from Israel as Moses would part the Red Sea (Exodus 14:20-23).
The Psalmist king David
As king David who was a man after God’s own heart spake by the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:16) could write about who the LORD is saying “The LORD [is] my light” again we’re confronted with this great truth that God is light. Through the light, our God leads us (Psalm 43:3) and directs our feet placing them on the right path (Psalm 119:105), He has shown us light (Psalm 118:27).
Psalm 27:1 The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
The Book of Proverbs
David’s son king Solomon also directed and guided by the Holy Spirit the wisest of all men told us in Proverbs that God’s holy Law is also light because it comes from God (Proverbs 6:23) anything which comes from God in its very nature would be light.
The Prophets
The prophet Isaiah cried unto the people of Israel as the LORD directed him saying “let us walk in the light of the LORD.” (Isaiah 2:5) Were also told that “a great light” which in reference to God would be shown to the people who walked in darkness (Isaiah 9:2). In Isaiah, we have a direct reference to the One who is called by God His servant and will come unto the Gentiles also known as the Messiah (Isaiah 42:6).
In the book of Daniel, we have the account of the dreams which came to king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, the king making a decree that his dreams should be made known otherwise he would destroy all the wise men. Daniel hearing of this harsh decree sought the king asking for time to seek the LORD in prayer that He would make the interpretation known. Daniel was shown the interpretation by God and came to stand before king Nebuchadnezzar proclaiming these words about the LORD, “and the light dwelleth with him”.
Daniel 2:22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what [is] in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.
In the book of Micah, he gave thanks unto the LORD for being his light saying “the LORD [shall be] a light unto me” (Micah 7:8). Another prophet by the name of Habakkuk prayed to the LORD and it says that God came, the Holy One and “And his brightness was as the light” the text goes on to say “he had horns coming out of his hand” or rays flashing from His hand which speaks of His glory.
The New Testament
We’ve seen just but a few verses which speak of God Himself as being referred to as “light”, as we continue past the last book of the Old Testament. The first reference of God as light is found in the Gospel according to Matthew which says:
Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
This verse in Matthew is pointing us back to the verse found in the old testament, the prophet Isaiah prophesied about a great light which would be shown unto the people who are in darkness. This is a direct statement concerning the coming Messiah and this was fulfilled by the Lord Jesus (Luke 1:79). Luke puts it this way that He (Jesus) was “A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” (Luke 2:32)
Immediately following that verse we have the Lord Jesus preaching to the people saying “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17). This brings us to another important event called the mount of transfiguration, the Lord chose Peter, James and John to accompany Him to the top of the mountain as the rest stood behind at the base (Mark 9:1-2, Luke 9:28-29).
When the Lord Jesus prayed the scriptures expressed He was transfigured and His countenance became “raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them” (Mark 9:3) or “his raiment was white and glistering” (Luke 9:29).
In the Gospel of John, the apostle says that in Jesus was life and that life was the “light” of men (John 1:4). Jesus Christ is the origin or source of light itself. John then compares Christ to the surrounding darkness of this world.
John 1:4-5 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
John the Baptist was the forerunner spoken of in the book of Isaiah who would proclaim to Israel the coming of the Messiah (Isaiah 40:3), John references this and mentions that John was a witness to “the Light”.
John 1:7-9 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all [men] through him might believe. He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light. [That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
When Saul (Paul the apostle) was persecuting the church he was on the road to Damascus and was visited by the risen Lord, Luke the physician tells us that Saul saw “shined round about him a light from heaven” (Acts 9:3). Paul after his conversion gives his testimony of coming face to face with Christ Jesus and said to the chief captain and Hebrew people in the Hebrew tongue.
Acts 22:6, 9, 11 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. … And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. … And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.
Paul gives his testimony again before king Agrippa saying how he saw a light from heaven on the road to Damascus. And that Christ was a light shown unto the people and Gentiles (Acts 26:23).
Acts 26:13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
In the epistle to the Corinthians Paul tells us that the light of the Gospel is which speaks of Christ Himself, the Lord Jesus is that light but satan is keeping people blinded to that light (2 Corinthians 4:4).
2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
In the epistle to the Ephesians, we’re told to awake and Jesus Christ will give us “light” (Ephesians 5:14). The book of 1 Timothy tells us that God the Father dwells in “light which no man can approach unto” (1 Timothy 6:16). The apostle Peter tells us that believers are called out of darkness “into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
John the apostle in his first epistle tells is this fact which is “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all”. How pure is the God that we serve, complete Holiness and purity.?!
1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
John goes on to say how believers are to walk in the light as the Lord Jesus is in the “light” that we may have fellowship with our Lord (1 John 1:7). He calls Jesus “the true light” (1 John 2:8).
The last book of the Bible, Revelation speaks of the Lamb of God who is the “light and glory of God” (Revelation 21:23), and that God is the one who gives this light.
Revelation 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
We hope that this was edifying to you and helps you in your studies in seeing that the Lord Jesus is God.
John 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
As a Christian, I recognise the name Jehovah as referencing God Almighty, but I also know that God goes by many names. I use the King James Bible and the name Jehovah is used 4 times throughout the Bible.
In addition, not all but some of the more modern versions use the name Jehovah as much as 6,827 times (American Standard Version), interestingly the Hebrew Names Version never uses it at all. Why all the discrepancies if Jehovah is truly God’s name?
Origin of the name
Do you know where the name “Jehovah” comes from, It comes from the Tetragrammaton. The name “Jehovah” is a modern mispronunciation of the Hebrew name, resulting from combining the consonants of the name, YHWH and Adonai meaning Lord.
The scribes when writing the scriptures didn’t want to include God’s name into the scrolls due to fear that God’s name would be mispronounced. Therefore they wrote the Hebrew consonants (YHWH).
In Hebrew the four letters, read from right to left, are “yodh”, “he”, “waw” and “he”. The name “Jehovah” is a construction made by man they took the 4 letters YHWH and the name Adonai and merged them together.
YHWH + Adonai
They removed “d”, “n”, “i” from Adonai which leaves “A o a” they then took this and inserted these letters in-between the letters YHWH when this is done you get YaHoWaH In Hebrew the “Y” when rendered into Greek has a “J” sound becoming “Jahovah” or Jehovah.
Picture one day you meet a man for the first time named Bill, some months pass by and you run into him again but you forget his name and call him Phil. Sure they sound similar but Bill would have to tell you that’s not his name. Even if you take the name “Bill” and remove the “B” adding a “J” making it Jill. That still wouldn’t be his name.
Our Creator is high above everything ever created including us, how dishonest would he be to think that we can take it upon ourselves to name God what we believe it should be outside of His Word. Jehovah is not God’s name not even close to it as we see how it was constructed using to names to make another.
When God made man in His own image back in the book of Genesis 1:26-28, Genesis 2:7 He created Adam. It’s referenced again by the apostle Paul in the context that Adam, after he sinned in the garden, while Adam had a living soul was not quickened by the spirit. Meaning he was not spiritually alive because of the fall, but the Lord Jesus the last Adam was made alive in the spirit.
1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit.
In this entry, we’re going to look over this biblical truth as there’s some who would say that people aren’t born in sin. But is this even biblical? Let’s find out through God’s word.
The Consequences Of The Fall
God gave Adam a direct commandment after he gave Adam dominion over the earth. The LORD God placed Adam in the garden telling him not to eat from a specific tree, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; if he did he would die.
Genesis 2:15-17 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
When Adam disobeyed God’s command by eating the fruit which his wife Eve offered him after being tempted by the serpent (satan). All of mankind was plunged into death by the sin of Adam because all of us were in him. Before the fall Adam was made perfect because hadn’t sin until he ate the fruit. The moment he took of the fruit corruption was brought forth, like the root of a tree if it’s corrupted then the fruit that tree produces will also be corrupted.
The rest is history as all of mankind inherited a sin-nature, this is why we die a physical death. Every offspring since Adam and Eve throughout the ages inherited this fallen nature.
The Different Aspects Of Sin
We move from the understanding of the sin-nature that we’ve inherited due to the fall of man in the garden and unto when the unsaved person commits sin. Here are some words which describe the acts of sin.
Transgression: is used concerning when we personally sin or “step over the line” or “stepping over the boundaries” transgressing God’s holy Law. Think of someone’s private property if an individual who has no business being on that property would be committing a trespass, transgressing over into someone else’s boundary.
Our sin-nature: describes not an act but again what we rightfully inherited through the fall in the garden of Eden. When Adam sinned by disobeying God Adam was no longer perfect, his nature became sinful and could not be changed. When they (Adam and Eve) had children that nature was passed down.
All under sin: is the state all of mankind finds itself when viewed from a divine standpoint. God concluded we’re “all under sin” in Galatians 3:22. This is the position of the unsaved individual from God’s perspective.
We’re spiritually dead: everyone is born “spiritually dead” hence the reason the Lord Jesus said we “must be born again” if you recall when Nicodemus approached the Lord at night.
John 3:3, 5-7 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. … 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.
Born In Sin Scriptures
Paul the apostle mentions in his epistles about how Adam’s transgression affects all of mankind. In that sin was passed down through the ages, the curse fell upon all men making all who are not born again spiritually bankrupted.
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:
Here Paul tells us that by one man (Adam) sin entered or came into the world, and the result of that sin is death which passed upon all men. He goes onto say that death reigned or ruled from Adam to Moses and to all who haven’t sinned in the same way as Adam (Romans 5:14). This speaks of the sin-nature we all inherited through Adam.
An Old Testament scripture we can look at in relation to the result of sin is found in the book of Ezekiel.
Ezekiel 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
The soul that sins will die according to the word of God and this verse corresponds back to Romans 6:23 which speaks of what we are rightfully paid due to sin. Due to man being born in sin it’s “natural” for him to commit sin even though in reality it’s not “natural” for him to do so.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The book of Ephesians talks about how we’re born dead spiritually, it doesn’t say it in those exact words but as we read the verse it says.
Ephesians 2:1-2 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:
To be “quickened” means to be made alive, born again believers are made alive by the Spirit of God. Paul was addressing believers telling them that at one time they “were dead in trespasses and sins” with this information we can conclude that those who are not believers are still dead in trespasses and sins.
Jesus Christ The Cure
Our fallen state (sin nature) due to the fall in the garden places those who haven’t trusted in Jesus Christ in a dangerous position. We war against the flesh even as believers we are to resist our flesh and walk in the Spirit so that we don’t fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16-18 [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
The devil will always appeal to our flesh in order to make us stumble we’re told by the apostle James to resist the devil. Not to give ourselves over to his temptations and he will flee from us (James 4:7) but rather that we should submit ourselves unto God Almighty.
This will be an ongoing struggle some days will be easier than others, it’s only when we’re in our glorified bodies that we no longer have to worry about these temptations any longer for we shall be like Him, that is like the Lord Jesus Himself.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
If you’re without Christ please understand that you’re currently under the control of satan, you’re a child of the devil according to God’s word; Jesus said to the Jews “ye are of your father the devil”.
John 8:44 Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Acts 13:10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, [thou] child of the devil, [thou] enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
In order for you to not be condemned, you must understand that you’re a sinner, we all fall short of God’s glory (Isaiah 53:6), but if you haven’t trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of sins you’re still dead in your sins. You must be redeemed by trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. He was crucified, buried and on the third day, He rose again from the dead being victorious over sin and death.
He didn’t stay dead, He’s alive in heaven and will be back to judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31). God promises that if you trust in the Saviour of the world Jesus Christ you’ll be forgiven of your sins and pass from death unto life (1 John 3:14). Flee from the wrath to come (Matthew 3:7, Luke 3:7). Will you trust in Him today?
John 3:16 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.
There’s a genocide which is playing out today and it’s not overseas in a faraway land, this atrocity is happening in our backyard. The murder of innocent babies is the horror I’m referencing which is being led by Planned Parenthood, its founder Margret Sanger once said referring to infants.
The most merciful thing that the large family does to one of its infant members is to kill it. – Margret Sanger
Margret Sanger was the female version of Adolf Hitler, Hitler dehumanized the Jews in the second world war which lead to 6 Million European Jews Murdered During the Holocaust. These people were shot, hung, gassed, and tossed into ovens among other unspeakable acts. Hitler wanted to eradicate the Jews from the face of the earth, and he had the help to do it with those who blindly followed him.
Today we face the same situation, we have a new genocide which dwarfs the statistics of the Holocaust. The numbers are staggering, 1 abortion every 30 seconds, Abortions per day: 2,899; Total number of abortions in the U.S. 1973-2013: 56.5 million+. If you’d like to look more into the statistics you can find them here at all.org.
Dear reader, please consider, what makes abortion any different from the Holocaust or slavery? Absolutely nothing, both dehumanized individuals so that horrific atrocities took place. The safest place for a baby to be is inside the mother’s womb, and now it seems today it’s the most dangerous place for a baby. Women are killing their own babies by the boatloads due to unselfishness.
Excuses like “what if the baby is born mentally disabled?” or “what if the baby is born into a poor family?” or “what if that baby is the result of a rape?”. None of these excuses merits the act of murder, it’s not the baby’s fault of the rapist (father), are we to now kill people who are somehow disabled, should we also kill homeless people because they’re poor? Society sunk to a new low!
Adoption is always available and you don’t have to kill your baby, someone else out there is more than willing to love your baby and give him/her a loving home.
What Are We To Do?
This is a Christian blog and we wholeheartedly believe in what the Bible has to say. In the Bible, there were at times people who sacrificed their children to a false god called Baal or Molech. These children taken to an altar and placed on a piping hot statue which had outstretched arms, they would lay the child on this scorching idol and the children would scream in agony. The Moabites would beat on drums in order to drown out the screams.
There are now new altars for child sacrifices these abortion clinics, now known as murder mills. When will the madness stop? Unfortunately, the Bible says that it won’t anytime soon, in fact it will become worse. The Lord Jesus spoke about these days in which we live, the last days.
Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
God says that He hates those who shed innocent blood.
Proverbs 6:16-19 These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
We are told in the Old Testament by God not to murder in the Ten Commandments in both the books Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Exodus 20:13 Thou shalt not kill.
Deuteronomy 5:17 Thou shalt not kill.
In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus also expounded upon this in the book of Matthew saying that if you hate someone you’re a murder at heart and will be in danger of hell.
Matthew 5:21-22 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Paul the apostle a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ touched upon this as well in the book of Romans.
Romans 13:9-10 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law.
The Solution
O believer, we know that the days are getting darker by the moment, we need to reach out to these lost souls with the love of Christ, “…How shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)
Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
We’re told that the Gospel is “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16). As Christians, we need to stand outside of places like Planned Parenthood and stand up against this great evil. We need to be ready to preach the Gospel the good news of salvation to these men and woman who are taking their unborn baby to these murder mills to be slaughtered. They need to hear that God is willing to save them and forgive them of their sins. That they can have a new life in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
To Those Contemplating Abortion
Please, you don’t need to kill your baby if you do you will never be the same again; you’ll have blood-stained hands and the memories will stay with you forever. We are pleading with you, Planned Parenthood doesn’t care about you, all they want to do is kill your baby and charge you money for it. Here’s a quote from Planned Parenthood of how much they will charge to murder your unborn baby.
These people are murderers and will have to answer to God for their crimes against humanity. The countless body parts of babies which end up in a dumpster or “recycling” bin. They need Jesus and so do you! God is willing to forgive you but you need to come to Him as a guilty sinner and He promises that He will forget all your sins.
Psalm 103:11-12 For as the heaven is high above the earth, [so] great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
The only way to have this forgiveness is to place your trust in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. If you do you’ll be given eternal life and peace with God.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 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:
Romans 10:9-11 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Are you ready to confess the Lord Jesus Christ and have Him as your Lord and Saviour? The Bible says that if you do you won’t have to suffer in eternal torment in hell, and you’ll have a home in heaven. Why not trust Him today you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!!
Fausto Sozzini one of the founders of Unitarian theology
The Christology commonly called “Socinian” (after Fausto Sozzini, one of the founders of Unitarian theology) refers to the belief that Jesus Christ began his life when he was born as a human. In other words, the teaching that Jesus pre-existed his human body is rejected. There are various views ranging from the belief that Jesus was simply a human who, because of His greatness, was adopted by God as His Son to the belief that Jesus literally became the Son of God when He was conceived by the Holy Spirit (see Virgin birth of Jesus).
Unitarians believe that mainline Christianity does not adhere to strict monotheism, but that Unitarians do by maintaining that Jesus was a great man and a prophet of God, perhaps even a supernatural being, but not God himself. They believe Jesus did not claim to be God and that his teachings did not suggest the existence of a triune God. Unitarians believe in the moral authority but not necessarily the divinity of Jesus. Their theology is thus opposed to the trinitarian theology of other Christian denominations.
Unitarian Christology can be divided according to whether or not Jesus is believed to have had a pre-human existence. Both forms maintain that God is one being and one “person” and that Jesus is the (or a) Son of God, but generally not God himself.
Biblical Answers Against Unitarianism
1 Unitarians believe Jesus Christ began his life when he was born as a human.
The Bible says: Jesus Christ pre-existed as the Word, the classic text we would look towards is the first chapter of John.
John 1:1-3, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. … And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
The text plainly states “In the beginning was the Word” the Word always eternally existed. And the “Word was with God” in the Greek this portion reads (πρὸςτὸνθεόν) the Word and God were face to face. You can only be face to face with a person, it goes onto say “and the Word was God” again in Greek the text reads (καὶθεὸςἦνὁλόγος) which means and God was the Word (John1:1).
We then read “All things were made by Him” (the Word) “and without him was not any thing made that was made”, there was nothing made without Word. Here’s the second claim of the Word’s deity because John plainly says in v1:1 the Word is God.
Next is the incarnation as it reads “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” this is when Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem better known as the virgin birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Conclusion: The Word always existed with God and is a distinct person. The Word made all things, and the Word became flesh.
2 They believe Jesus did not claim to be God and that his teachings did not suggest the existence of a triune God.
The Bible says: Speaking of the distinction of persons within the Godhead we are given the command to baptise in the name of the Father and of the Son and the of Holy Spirit.
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:
We clearly see the verse is speaking of 3 distinct persons, not one person but 3, the Greek construction absolutely requires that it’s speaking of 3 when using the copulative KAI connects two nouns of the same case. This “KAI” joins all 3 in the verse proving distinctions.
In John chapter 8 discourse the Lord Jesus is speaking to the Jews said.
John 8:31-32, 58 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. … Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
If the Jews would abide in the words of Jesus who has the words of eternal life (John 6:68), but they didn’t want to listen just like today. They would no longer be servants of sin (John 8:34) and would be free of their sins. He then made the astounding statement which rocked the Jews. He pointed the Jews to His pre-existence before the incarnation saying “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.” (John 8:56).
The Jews in mocking tone reply “Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?” (John 8:57). The tension in the air had to be intense as they anticipated an answer, Jesus says “…Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58).
The reaction of the Jewish people says it all, the following verse tell us they wanted to stone Jesus Christ why? First, they knew He was claiming to be Yahweh, how can we know this for sure? John chapter 10 gives us more information on why the Jews sought to stone him.
The question was asked to Jesus Christ.
John 10:24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
Jesus then tells them “I told you and you would not believe” He also said “His sheep hear His voice and know Him” and “He gives them eternal life” and the works He does in HIs Father’s name bears witness (John 10:25-29). It’s the following statement which one again gains the same response we read about in John chapter 8. The Lord Jesus says.
John 10:30 I and my Father are one.
Once again the Jews wanted to stone Him, why? Well, let’s read the verses in context.
John 10:31-33 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 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.
Jesus asked them “Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?”. Remember the Lord Jesus is healing the lame, giving sight to blind people, forgiving people of their sins etc. And the Jews answer is very telling, they said, “For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God”.
They understood only God can make the claims the Lord Jesus Christ claimed. And they said He’s trying to make Himself God. And because Jesus Christ never lied He had the opportunity to rebuke them and say “I’m not God” but does He? No, He never denies that He’s God because He is God Almighty (Revelation 4:8)
If you’ve done some digging around about the beginnings of how the Watchtower came to be there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Charles Taze Russell. He’s known as the founder of the Watchtower cult. What you may not know is how the name “Jehovah Witnesses” came about?
When Charles Taze Russell started the organization the magazine he published in July 1879 then was called Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.
In 1909 the name was changed to The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. In 1920, the Watch Tower Society reprinted all issues from 1879–1919 in seven volumes, known as the Watchtower Reprints, which have since been reprinted by various “Bible Student” groups.
On 15 October 1931, the magazine was renamed The Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence; in January 1939, The Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. After Rusell’s death on October 31, 1916, Pampa, TX, a man by the name of Joseph Franklin Rutherford coveted to be in charge, and it’s a known fact that Rutherford didn’t like Russell and renamed the magazine in March 1939 until the present, now called The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.
Where does the name Jehovah Witness come from?
Rutherford took a verse out of Isaiah which mentions the word “witnesses”. It can be found in Isaiah chapter 43 which reads.
Isaiah 43:10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
Yes, the name comes from this verse. All Jehovah Witnesses believe that Jehovah God has declared the Watchtower to be the only true “organization” that’s capable of teaching the Bible. The truth is Rutherford wanted control of its members hence the name changes to distance himself from Russell.
It’s crazy to believe that this verse referring to Israel as God’s witness to pagan nations in Old Testament times seven centuries before Christ came into the world, would apply to a modern-day cult nineteen centuries after the time of Jesus Christ. Is the Watchtower willing to admit that they believe God had no witness for over eighteen centuries of church history? It’s a historical fact that the Jehovah Witnesses began in the nineteenth century.
JESUS CHRIST IS GOD ALMIGHTY
The Watchtower teaches that Jesus is not God, but is this true what does the Bible say in regards to Christ and His deity? It’s interesting that the Jehovah Witnesses get their name from Isaiah 43:10 and twist the context of the verse. That chapter is not speaking about Jehovah Witnesses in fact what the chapter is really speaking of is that God was saying the nation of Israel has been a witness to God’s power. The beginning of the chapter gives us the context in which the LORD is proclaiming His omnipotence in lew of the people of the surrounding nations which worships false gods.
Isaiah 43:1-3 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
Notice God mentions “O Jacob” which is a name for Israel, God mentions again “O Israel”. Clearly, it’s the Jewish nation God is speaking too. Here’s the point the very word in verse Isaiah 43:10 they adore “Witnesses” proves Jesus Christ is God.
In the book of Acts in the New Testament, we have the Ascension of the Lord Jesus. The apostles asked the Lord “…they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6) and the Lord Jesus replied saying.
Acts 1:7-8 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
There you have it straight from the Bible, God says in the Old Testament “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 43:10) and Jesus Christ says “and ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8). I guess the Watchtower forgot to changes those scriptures to try to hide the fact that Jesus Christ is God.
” . . . people cannot see the Divine Plan in studying the Bible by itself . . . if he then lays them [Scripture Studies] aside and ignores them and goes to the bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he had merely read the Scripture Studies with their references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be in the light at the end of the two years, because he would have the light of the Scriptures,” (Watchtower, Sept. 15, 1910, p. 298).
An anti-christ statement straight from the Watchtower, they conclude that a person must read their publications/magazines in order to understand the Bible, if not then you will be in spiritual darkness. A tactic Watchtower utilises controlling others critical thinking, they don’t want you to think for yourself and tell members to solely rely on the Watchtower’s interpretation of the Bible.
The Bible Says
We are to search the scriptures (God’s word) not additional books or magazines.
Acts 17:10-11 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming [thither] went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
The Christian is to study the word/scriptures that we may never be ashamed and can rightly divide the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
The scriptures makes us wise unto salvation in the case of Timothy.
2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Scripture can be understood and no one has a monopoly on God’s Holy word.
2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
If you want to read the article in its entirety you can find it here for download.
Jehovah Witnesses often give lip service that they believe salvation is grace through faith in Christ, yet they also say that a Witness “is not yet declared righteous”. The Watchtower teaches that a Witness is not declared worthy of the right to everlasting life until the end of the Millennium, only then will they know if they have everlasting life. This means no Jehovah Witness has the assurance of salvation.
The truth is Jehovah Witnesses aren’t going door to door or standing next to carts because they care. The truth is they believe the only way they can make it into “paradise” is by doing “good works”. This is why you’ll see Jehovah Witnesses everywhere as if a penyata exploded.
The Watchtower teaches it’s members that they need to work for salvation or “exercise faith” in Jehovah God. And what entitles “exercising faith”? This entitles going door to door, standing on street corners counting their time and baptism, is something a person must do to gain everlasting life. Here’s what the Watchtower says.
Just as Noah was preserved through the Flood, loyal baptized ones will be preserved when the present wicked world meets its end. (Mark 13:10; Rev. 7:9, 10) This makes dedication and baptism very important. A person who needlessly delays getting baptized endangers his prospects for everlasting life. – Baptism A Requirement for Christians The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom (Study) 2018
What the Bible Says about Assurance Of Salvation?
Every believer is sealed by the Holy Spirit unto salvation
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
The Bible Describes The Various Ways In Which The Believer’s Security Is Confirmed. The believer in Jesus Christ can know right now that we have eternal life.
1 John 5:11-13 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 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.
The Lord Jesus will never leave the believer.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
We have passed or be translated from death to life.
John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
The believer is free and not a servant of sin.
John 8:32-36 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
We have been set free from the law of sin & death.
Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
We shall never face judgment/condemnation again and have passed from death to life.
John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
There is no condemnation for the born again believer.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
The old man of the flesh is put to death.
Romans 6:3-6 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
There is new life in Christ, you’re made a new creature in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
We have become identified in Christ.
Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
1 Corinthians 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
He is able to save believers forever, the Lord Jesus Christ saves us fully!
Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Every born again believer has at one time or another thought about the doctrine of eternal security. This doctrine which is near and dear to my heart and I would like to clear up any foggy thoughts you may be struggling with concerning your salvation.
My Zeal For Doctrine
When I was first saved I enjoyed everything which accompanied my salvation, all my burdens of sin were removed. The guilt and weight of my sin were gone and I knew I was forgiven and rested in the fact that I have peace with God. I saw the world differently I saw the beauty in creation, had new desires for the things of God and now I called God Abba Father.
Now as a Christian I had to navigate all of the strange doctrines out there, my first encounter with false doctrine was sitting outside during lunch break when I was approached by a Seventh Day Adventist who tried to convince me that worship was only to be on Saturday. The Holy Spirit in me told me something was wrong I was not sure what at the time but I knew what that man was telling me was false.
How the Lord Opened My Eyes
I then got roped into the false teaching of “losing my salvation” by a false teacher in Florida (possible future posting). Anyone who advocated for Once Saved Always Saved was seriously wrong in my mind. I became militant in my thinking and was harsh to my brothers and sisters in Christ. I would like to at this time say I’m sorry to anyone who tried showing me the error of my ways and I treated harshly, I’m forever grateful for you speaking truth to me.
I thought anyone who believed in Once Saved Always Saved was just using that as an excuse or license to sin while saying they can never lose their salvation. The truth is no Christian should be wanting to sin even when we know that we have eternal life and cannot lose our salvation.
There was a brother in Christ who also struggled with this question about eternal security. One day he asked me: “Can we lose our salvation?”. And for some reason when he asked me this question it was really profound and did something to me. Before that, I’ve come across that question a hundred times but this time it was different and today I truly count it as a blessing. With God’s grace, I found the truth. And now I’d love to help you answer that question.
Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical?
There are cults out there which would answer yes, even some Christians subscribe to this and would say yes. We want to know what does the Bible teach about eternal security? The moment a person places their trust in Christ they are saved and have fellowship with God.
Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
The child of God is forgiven of not some but all their trespasses or transgressions. In the epistle of Jude, we’re told that God does the work of keeping the believer if my salvation was dependant on upon myself then I would be in trouble. While I’m saved I still make mistakes but God doesn’t and I can rest from all my works. Knowing the perfect God of Heaven secures me in every way and I can leave it in His hands.
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
The Lord Jesus Christ spoke about His sheep in John chapter 10 during the feast of the dedication while at Solomon’s porch. The Jews asked Him “How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly”. The Lord Jesus answered them saying “I told you, and ye believed not”, the Jews kept on denying all the works He was doing in the presence of them. The Lord then said His sheep hears His words and they follow Him, and He gives them eternal life.
John 10:28-29 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
If eternal life could be lost then it was never eternal, to begin with, additionally, all believers are secure in the Lord Jesus hand and in the Father’s hand. I don’t know anyone who is more powerful than God? No one is more powerful than God and that includes you. All believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption if a person could lose their salvation that would mean the Holy Spirit would have to leave the believer. The Lord Jesus said in John 14 the Holy Spirit would be in believers forever.
John 14:16, 17 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 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.
In the Ephesians epistle, Paul the apostle said that all believers are sealed unto the day of redemption. When God redeemed us on the cross He purchased us with His own blood (Acts 20:28 …to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood).
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
That means all believers are bought with a price and that price was the blood of Jesus and, therefore, God owns us and has sealed us. God wrote His name upon us saying they belong to me.
Jesus Christ said that the Comforter which is the Holy Spirit would dwell in us forever was He lying? God forbid! Jesus Christ never lied (Isaiah 53:9…neither was any deceit in his mouth.) and, therefore, a believer could never lose his/her’s salvation.
God can never lie because He’s perfect and what He says is always true. In one of the most popular verses in the Bible John 3:16 says we will be given everlasting life when we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ’s and His atoning sacrifice; because we believed on Christ Jesus we will never perish.
John 3:15-16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 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.
If salvation could be lost then “everlasting life” wouldn’t be “eternal” or “everlasting”, when you understand this then false teaching such as “losing salvation” is exposed for the heresy that it is. If you believe you can lose your salvation, in essence, you’re calling God a liar and saying He doesn’t have the power to keep you from falling (Jude 1:24).
My hope is that if you’re a believer struggling with the assurance of salvation that this post helps you in knowing that you have eternal life right now. You should rejoice at this wonderful news! John the apostle wrote in 1 John 5 to assure us of this very hope that’s in the Lord Jesus Christ.
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.
The last verses I’d like to leave you with is a very powerful verse from Paul the apostle in the book of Romans chapter 8. In this verse, we’re told nothing can separate us from God. The believer is secure from everything.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Nothing can take away your salvation including yourself, it says not death, life, angels, principalities, powers, things present, things to come, height, depth, not any other creature (you’re a creature); shall be able to separate us from the love of God. When you look at this list and realise nothing in heaven, in earth or under the earth can take away the free gift God has given you. And when you come across verses which seem as if you can lose your salvation remember this, God’s word never contradicts, therefore, there’s another meaning behind the questionable verse.
If you study God’s word diligently God will bless you with understanding
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
There are groups out there which call themselves Christians while denying the One in which they would say they believe in. When the subject of Jesus Christ and His deity are spoken of among believers the orthodox belief from the very beginning has stated that Christ is equal to the Father therefore, He (Jesus Christ) is God (John 5:18, Philippians 2:6). While others affirm the same but take the position that the Father and Jesus are the same person. This debate between Trinitarians and oneness/unitarians concerning the Godhead/Triune God being 3 distinct persons has been ongoing for a long time. That’s a subject for another time, today I want to focus on the deity of Christ.
We’re plagued with groups who masquerade as Christians but really aren’t. The apostles warned us that these things would happen, individuals who claim to be followers of Christ but really believe devilish doctrine (2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Ephesians 5:11, 2 Timothy 3:5, 3:13, 4:3-4, 2 Peter 2:1, 1 John 2:26-27, 4:1-6, Jude 1:4). Even our Lord warned of the coming of such men who would look to draw away others from the truth.
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
These groups aren’t Christian at all but are really cults (Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christadelphians, Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists) who use the same biblical terminology while holding completely different definitions. Today I want to focus on an argument the Jehovah’s Witnesses often bring up when confronted with the fact that Jesus is God. If any Christian states to a Jehovah’s Witness that Jesus Christ is God the Jehovah’s Witness will deny this and may bring up this scripture to refute Christ’s deity.
John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
They’ll say see Jesus says that “Jehovah” is the only true God, and upon first glance of this verse one may think that’s correct. But if we look at the construction of this verse what it’s really saying is that the Father and Jesus Christ is the only true God. In Greek, the copulative kai stands for “and”.
Kai is the conjunction in the construction of that verse. What is a “conjunction”? A conjunction is an act of joining or condition of being joined. Kai is the root word (Etymology) Apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force. Knowing this when we read the verse again we see that the only true God is the Father and Jesus Christ.
According to the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ theology, the Father alone is the only true God and they say Jesus Christ is a lesser “god” according to their New World Translation. If that’s true then we must ask this question. Is Jesus a true God or a false “god”? When we press this question the Jehovah’s Witness is stuck because if they say Jesus is a false “god” then they will be contradicting the scriptures. And if they say Jesus is the true God then they’re contradicting the Watchtower. Additionally, they also forget verses such as this one from John’s epistle.
1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
Even if you direct them to this verse in the NWT while the rendering of the verse reads a little differently you’ll still see that John is calling Jesus Christ the only true God and knowing Him is eternal life. Who else can give eternal life but God Himself?!
I hope this was helpful and encourage you to reach out to these people who are lost in cults, they have been led astray and are in danger of being lost in hell for all eternity. We have to approach these people in the love of Christ while still being rooted and grounded in the truth. If you bring these verses to a Jehovah’s Witness press the question “is Jesus Christ the true God or a false “god”?” Because we know there’s only one God, therefore, any “additional gods” would be false and I don’t think they’re prepared to claim such a blasphemous statement. If they say Jesus is “god-like” just ask again is Jesus the true God or false “god”?
They won’t have a straight answer and will try to divert your attention to other scriptures to avoid answering this question.
Today we’re going to focus on another role which is fulfilled by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It’s the subject of Him being our great high priest. Read last article Jesus Christ is God John 10:11
Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Aaron as Priest
Back in the Old Testament, we have Aaron the brother of Moses this was the start of the Levitical priesthood. Just as Moses was a type or shadow of Christ as the “redeemer” of Israel from the bondage of Pharaoh as Moses brought them out of Egypt, so was Aaron a picture of Christ as our high priest.
Aaron not being perfect as none are except for the Lord Jesus Himself, he committed two notable sins before the eyes of the Lord, the first one is when he fashioned a molten calf which caused the children of Israel to commit idolatry (Exodus 32:1-6). The other was when he and his sister Miriam spake against Moses for marrying an Ethiopian woman (Numbers 12:1) this may have been the first account of racism. Afterwards, the LORD called all three to the tabernacle just as a father would discipline His bickering children; resulting in Miriam’s leprosy (Numbers 12:2-10). God had no tolerance for this possible case of racism.
Levitical Priesthood
Through Aaron, the LORD chose the tribe of Levi to perform all the priestly functions of the tabernacle. The book of Leviticus informs as to how to worship God. God consistently gives us a pattern in which we are to follow if you recall God gave Moses the pattern of how to build the tabernacle (Exodus 25:9). Our God is orderly we cannot worship Him however we feel like by making up our own “rules”. Things are done in a precise way, how we gather, how we are to have order in the church etc. Leviticus contains the laws concerning worship and sacrifices before God for Israel, holy days, moral laws, ceremonial cleanness and the sabbath. Leviticus can be divided up into the following sections:
Ch 1-16 Approach to God – The Altar and Worship
The Means – ch 1-7
The Mediators – ch 8-10
The Manner – purity – ch 11-15
The Maintenance – ch 16
Ch 17-27 Abiding with God – Appreciation of God’s Character and our Walk
People – ch 17-20
Priests – ch 21-22
Feasts – ch 23-24
Canaan – ch 25-27
The Book of Hebrews
It’s very important to get a clear understanding of the book of Hebrews for many reasons. Some try to use it to teach that you can lose your salvation. The warning passages must be understood as warnings to Jews who had made a profession in Christ but were thinking of returning to the Temple sacrifices. This would give proof that they were never saved in the first place.
The text in Hebrews gives us a deeper understanding of the priestly work of Christ. It was proclaimed by God in the Old Testament in the book of Psalms.
Psalm 110:4 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
Melchizedek was the pre-incarnate Christ the things spoken of who Melchizedek is directly correlated to the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s word says that Melchizedek had no father nor mother, neither beginning of days, nor end of life. This means He had no earthly father or mother and had no beginning or end of life, this can only speak of deity. The same is spoken of the Lord Jesus in John as He always existed as the Word.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The Word was always there from eternity past He was literally face to face with God, in the Greek, it’s pros (πρός) ton (τὸν) Theon (θεόν). Therefore, the Word never was created He always been with the Father having no “beginning or end of life” just as Melchizedek.
Because of the fall of man in the garden we are in total depravity in a bad standing before the Creator, dead in sins and trespasses. In the Old Testament, the high priest would go into the Holiest of Holies once a year to atone for the sins of the people. But the blood of bulls and goats could never atone for sin.
Hebrews 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
The purpose of God (Elohim) was for the Son (the Word) would come into the world and take on human flesh to be the only perfect sacrifice that would make a permanent atonement for sins. That’s what Christ did, He alone is perfect and without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:21-25). God said that He was done with the sacrifices of the children of Israel (Isaiah 1:11, Hosea 6:6, Psalm 51:16).
In Hebrews chapter 5 as it relates to the Lord Jesus Christ as our high priest, it brings forth His never-ending priesthood “after the order of Melchisedec” before God the Father. He (Jesus Christ) makes intercession for the saints before the throne and is our advocate (Romans 8:34).
Hebrews 5:1, 5-6 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: … So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Another beautiful truth about these passages of scripture is that the Lord Jesus is both fully God and fully man. A priest according to the Levitical priesthood must be from the tribe of Levi and a man, but that line of the priest is not everlasting because it’s composed of humans. Christ, because He’s God, continues forever without beginning or end of days.
Hebrews 10:11-14 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Only the perfect man Jesus Christ being God in the flesh is able to be our mediator.
Hebrews 9:6-7, 11-14 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: … But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
The blood of Christ mentioned here tells us that His (Jesus Christ) blood is infinitely better than any other sacrifice. Because Christ is perfect and the scriptures say only God is perfect, Christ sharing the same nature as the Father and the Holy Spirit are collectively 3 distinct co-equal co-eternal persons who are capable to keep us and bring us into His presence.
The most famous of Psalms has been quoted so many times among believers and unbelievers alike if that’s believable? Those who maybe never read a Bible before will know these words and have most likely heard them before. See last article Jesus Christ is God in Exodus 3:2
Psalm 23:1-6 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
SHEPHERDS
The word “shepherd” is mentioned throughout the Bible occurs 43 times in 40 verses in the KJV (depending on which version) and the other being “shepherds” occurs 38 times in 33 verses in the KJV (again depending on which version). David the son of Jesse was a shepherd before becoming king of Israel. Abel was the first shepherd mentioned in Genesis, Abraham keep sheep, we’re also told in the New Testament about the shepherds in the field in the gospel of Luke and that the Holy Spirit raises up overseers (elders) to shepherd the flock of God.
THE SHEPHERD
The LORD God refers to Himself as the Shepherd in the Old Testament, as the God who will look over His people, help guide them and protect them. There’s no denying that the LORD is the Shepherd for all believers, we are brought to the still waters and fed. He fights for us (Exodus 14:14-16, Deuteronomy 3:22, Romans 12:19) and delivers us from our enemies.
Psalm 80:1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.
Psalm 95:7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,
Only the LORD of Host dwells between the cherubims as we are continually told in Old Testament scriptures when it speaks of Him filling the Tabernacle with His glory. And here in Psalm 80:1 we see the gentleness of our God with a soft touch He leads Israel as well as the rest of His flock (Gentile believers) pointing back to Psalm 23. What a wonderful God we serve.
Ezekiel 34:30-31 Thus shall they know that I the LORD their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord GOD. And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD.
As believers, we also have the name of being “His sheep” and His people. Those who will follow our Lord through the green pastures no matter where He takes us.
THE GOOD SHEPHERD
How can we forget those wonderful passages from the Lord Jesus in the gospel of John. The Lord Jesus is teaching the people that the devil only comes to steal, kill and destroy; but Christ in His loving mercy shows is the contrast between those who don’t care for us because they are paid strangers doing a job, and Himself who would risk His life for us and He did He died on that rugged cross for us guilty sinners.
The Lord Jesus calls each one of us by name because He knows us intimately (John 10:3) but to the one who would try to climb in another way without going to Christ is a robber (John 10:1) that’s because salvation is only found by coming to Jesus Christ who is The Door of the sheepfold.
John 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
The Lord Jesus continues to preach to the people explaining to them that all those who came before are thieves and a robbers. Just as we see today those people who would try to place themselves in a position of where Christ alone stands (John 10:8-9). Only God can give life no created creature who is lesser than God can give life, God gives life and spiritual life (eternal life), and it’s in this truth we see the Lord Jesus is God as He says in the next verse.
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
He came to give abundant life which is beyond the reaches of death, all believers are privileged beyond our wildest dreams to have this, we have been given something we don’t deserve and never will. The gift of eternal life is for all those who would come to Christ for the forgiveness of sins. The Lord Jesus then applies one of the names (I AM) God mentions in the Old Testament.
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
Just as God states in the Old Testament He is the Shepherd of His people always guiding them through this fallen world into glory. And the Lord Jesus is the same Almighty God as He makes this statement.
John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
THE CHIEF SHEPHERD
The apostle Peter also mentions in the general epistles how the Lord Jesus is the Chief Shepherd, this title can only be attributed to God alone. This was in teaching the assembly of believers about local church order how younger men should submit themselves to the elders. In this Peter addresses the elders telling them that it’s God’s flock and not to lord over God’s heritage.
1 Peter 5:1-4 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
The Chief Shepherd mentioned is Christ Jesus, if the flock of God belongs to God and the Chief Shepherd of that flock is the Lord Jesus then Jesus Christ is God. I hope you’ve enjoyed this reading, God bless.
The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society claim exclusivity when it comes to truth, some claims they make are that “Jehovah Witnesses are the only true Christians” (The Watchtower, Feb. 15, 1979, p. 30.) or because they go “door to door” they alone are doing God’s work. Another group called Mormons also goes “door to door” will Jehovah Witnesses say that Mormons are the only true Christians? Is going “door to door” how we determine who’s a “true Christian”? A true Christian is a person who has been born again, a follower of the Lord Jesus.
Both are Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses are known cults and both claim exclusivity when it comes to “the truth”. In this post, we will look at the society’s Bible called the New World Translation and see for ourselves if it’s “the truth”. Before we examine the text in the NWT we first should understand how it came to be, who are the men responsible for translating the grey Bible all Jehovah Witnesses stand by.
New World Translation Beginnings
The Watchtower created a committee of 6 men all of which were former governing body members and published their first New World Translation in 1950. The men responsible for the translation are Raymond Franz, Nathan H. Knorr, Fredrick W. Franz, Albert D. Schroeder, George D. Gangas, and Milton G. Henschel, out of the 6 only Frederick Franz claimed to have had sufficient knowledge in biblical languages. Franz had stated that he was familiar with not only Hebrew, but with Greek, Latin, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and French for the purpose of biblical translation.”
Franz couldn’t translate the languages here’s the transcript to the court case in which Frederick Franz was examined in court regarding his “biblical knowledge”. The following is a court transcript of F W. Franz was questioned in a Scotland.
Article ID: DJ200
From the Pursuer’s Proof of the cross-examination held on Wednesday, November 24, 1954, p. 7, paragraphs A-B. Examining Fred W. Franz, vice-president of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society and sent as representative of the Society and the Translation Comm.
Q: Have you also made yourself familiar with Hebrew?
A: (Franz) Yes.
Q: So that you have a substantial linguistic apparatus at your command?
A: Yes, for use in my biblical work.
Q: I think you are able to read and follow the Bible in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and French?
A: Yes.
The Truth is that F W. Franz holds no degree in Greek or Hebrew,
and cannot read either Greek or Hebrew, as a translator should. He dropped out of the University of Cincinnati after his sophomore year and had not been studying anything having to do with theology. Therefore, his qualifications as the only officially recognized member of the translation committee are definitely not adequate. Later during the same crossexamination, Franz had to admit that he was unable to translate a Bible verse.
Q: You, yourself, read and speak Hebrew, do you?
A: I do not speak Hebrew.
Q: You do not?
A: No.
Q: Can you, yourself, translate that into Hebrew?
A: Which?
Q: That fourth verse of the second chapter of Genesis?
A: You mean here?
Q: Yes.
A: No.
Knowing this information we can see that none of the “committee translators” had the appropriate knowledge to translate any verses of the Bible. Let’s see how the Watchtower has purposefully changed scriptures to fit their own doctrine.
How the Watchtower changed the scriptures
Here’s the Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures published by the Watchtower in 1969. Notice in their own Greek interlinear for Colossians 1:15-17 a favourite passage among Jehovah Witnesses when trying to prove Jesus Christ is not God. The Greek text says “all things” are created by Jesus Christ. If all things are created by Jesus Christ then that would make Him God. The Watchtower doesn’t believe Jesus Christ is God. They say that Jesus was “a god” making Him a created creature more specifically Michael the Archangel according to Watchtower theology. Of course, Watchtower is against the fact that Jesus is God and felt the need to change the scriptures to suit their own teachings.
New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (1984 Edition)
Here we see a copy of their New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (1984 Edition) and the same passage for Colossians 1:15-17. Notice that the word “other” is in brackets to signify that word is not found in the original language and has been inserted into the text. All members of the Jehovah Witnesses are to understand that this rendition is not how the Greek language reads in the scriptures. Moving forward the Watchtower wanted to further deny the deity of Christ and would later come out with another version of their Bible.
Here’s the latest version of the Jehovah Witness Bible New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (2013 Revision). Notice how the brackets are removed but the word “other” remains. If a person for the first time would read this Bible they wouldn’t realise that the word “other” doesn’t belong in the text. This is very underhanded and deceitful, why would the Watchtower go to such lengths to try to cover up the fact that Jesus Christ is God? It’s because this organization is not directed by God at all, this is one of the reasons why the Jehovah Witness religion is a cult.
Here’s the actual rendition of Colossians 1:15-17.
Colossians 1:15-17 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 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.
To Jehovah Witnesses
Is this really the kind of organization you can trust in? One that will deliberately use sneaky tactics in order to indoctrinate you with unscriptural teachings? I understand it’s hard to come to the truth that the Watchtower is false after investing so many years into the organization but your soul is in great danger by staying in this cult. You must be born again the Lord Jesus said.
John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
We live in a day and age when “love” is touted as “live and let live”, “love is love”. The world would tell us to be alright with sin and even acknowledge it (think pride parades). But the question is is that love, are we to subscribe to man’s definition of love or God’s?
Recently I was reprimanded by a family member because I told someone “not to use foul language”. A friend of the family was visiting and in their conversation, they felt the need to be loud and cursing to express themselves. Being the only Christian in the family I made mention of this behaviour as wrong and inappropriate. As I made mention of this the individual said “I didn’t curse” which then I replied “you did it’s just that you don’t realise it because you curse so much” I then said “it’s not a normal thing to do” it was at this point when a family member said “it’s normal for us”.
Matthew 15:17-20 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
God has given us His word we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) but since the beginning, mankind has rebelled against their Creator, just as the Israelites have rejected God’s voice in the wilderness. The same as when Moses would try to get His brethren to stop fighting among themselves they said to Moses (Exodus 2:14), the Lord Jesus also told us about the ten servants in Luke who were to Occupy till He comes but his citizens hated him saying “We will not have this man to reign over us” (Luke 19:14).
Exodus 20:19-20 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.
The same is happening today as unsaved people shake their little fist at God saying “We will not have this man to reign over us”. After the same family member and I had a discussion, I was told that I was wrong in saying “explicit obscenity” that I should allow people to live their lives the way they see fit. I asked “is it loving to allow people to continue in sin”, do we now turn a blind eye to sin and pat people on the back in their sin is that love? I explained that if I love them then I must speak the truth about sin, they have to know that they are in grave danger of going to hell because of sin.
The answer I received was shocking to say the least I was told “then let them go to hell!” how horrified I was to hear those words coming from a family member. I then asked “would you place your hand on a burning stove?” the response was obviously “no or course not” at this point I said “hell will be infinitely worse than a hot stove and you said let them go to hell?! this unloving for you to say”. This particular family member besides being unsaved has a fear man issue as most do, the motto is to let people do as they please. This is satanic in its nature the well-known satanist Aleister Crowley said “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law”.
This is the problem with mankind people love their sin more than they love God, they won’t come to God because they know they will have to give up their sin and be accountable to the LORD. We pray they bow the knee to God now rather than later as it will be too late then. As Christians, we face an ungodly world people who are on the ledge of falling into a lost eternity, eternally separated from God forever and they will wish then that they could hear the gospel message once more.
It’s with a grieving heart that I write this I see family members on their way to hell and I wish I could just shake them out of demonic sleep they succumbed too. The bible says that “the whole world lieth in wickedness” that “the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not” (1 John 5:19, 2 Corinthians 4:4). Only God can wake them out of that slumber but as believers, we are commanded to preach the word to every creature (Mark 16:15-16). We are in a war not with flesh but with unseen powers and wickedness in high places, and we must have on the entire armour of God in order for us to do battle (Ephesians 6:10-17).
We have to reach out to the lost and speak the truth in love, it won’t be easy you will have resistance but we must persevere. In the book of Jude it says:
Jude 1:22-23 And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
We should be willing to lay down our very lives in order to bring them to Christ Jesus.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Let’s continue to reach out to our family and friends with the gospel because it’s the good news, wonderful news of salvation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners!
So what the answer to the question posed in the beginning what’s love? God gave us the greatest example of love over 2000 years ago. God the Father loves us so much that He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die on the cross as a sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sins. He was buried and rose the 3rd day conquering death and hell and whosoever places their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation will be saved and have everlasting life. And that my friends is true love (John 3:16)!
In the last article,we saw howJesus Christ is God in Luke 5:21. God has slowly revealed Himself to His people, He chose the nation of Israel for His inheritance. When we look at the patriarchs concerning Israel we know that in the seed of Abraham shall all the nations of the world be blessed (Genesis 22:18). Abraham’s seed was blessed by God Himself for the scriptures say.
The angel of the LORD
Genesis 22:15-17 And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
If you read the above verses in Genesis carefully you’ll notice something quite remarkable, Abraham was not blessed by a mere angel, this angel was unique. First, this angel is called “the angel of the LORD” whenever “the angel of the LORD” mentioned this angel does things no mere angel can, for instance, this angel swore by Himself saying “By myself have I sworn”.
We see this occur in other scriptures where it specifically says the LORD sworn by Himself. This is God speaking not some random angel for only God can make such proclamations of promise (Genesis 22:16, Isaiah 45:23). This particular angel blesses has changed the name of Abraham from Abram and Jacob to Israel etc.
Jeremiah 49:13 For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes.
I AM THAT I AM
We established that “the angel of the LORD” is more than an “angel”, to understand more deeply what the term angel means we need to look at the Hebrew. The word for “angel” in the Hebrew is mal’ak it’s a masculine noun. In our English language, we tend to think of an angel as an angelic being with wings and at times the word does mean that but the term is also used to indicate.
I. messenger, representative
A. messenger
B. angel
C. the theophanic angel
מֲלְאָךְmălʼâk, mal-awk’; from an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher):—ambassador, angel, king, messenger.
In the book of Exodus chapter 3 Moses after fleeing Egypt to escape persecution after slewing/killing the Egyptian (Exodus 2:12) he finds himself in Midian at Mt Horeb and the angel of the LORD appears to Moses. We all know that God appeared to Moses in the burning bush but let’s look at that closely.
Exodus 3:2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
The scripture says “the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush”. Again this angel is more than a created angelic being I present to you that this is God Himself who made Himself known to Moses. Just two verses after it says that “God called” out to Moses.
Exodus 3:4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
He (God) then tells Moses to take off his shoes from his feet and goes on to proclaim “I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:6). There’s no mistake that God appeared to Moses but it also says that the angel of the LORD appeared to Moses, there’s only one conclusion when the scriptures speak of the “the angel of the LORD” this is God Himself. But if we jump into the New Testament we are told that no one has seen God (John 1:18, 1 John 4:12) therefore we still need more clarification.
Moses asked God to see His glory and God told Moses that if He saw Him he would die.
Exodus 33:18-20 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
And in the book of 1 Timothy 6, it says that King of kings, and Lord of lords “dwells in the light which no man can approach unto”
1 Timothy 6:15-16 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
But we clearly see that the LORD did, in fact, appear unto Abraham, Hagar, Jacob, Moses and others. The angel of the LORD is God because He has the same attributes of God.
I AM
In the context of John chapter 8, Jesus Christ arrives at the Mount of Olives and in the temple begins to teach the people, the scribes and Pharisees are looking for ways to trap the Lord Jesus by bringing a woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8:1-3) the crowd of people while holding stones are ready to kill the woman. The Pharisees start asking Him questions in hope that He would slip with His words and contradict the Law of Moses (John 8:4-6). The Lord Jesus then tells them (knowing they all in the crowd are sinners) “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” (John 8:7)showing them their hypocrisy.
Afterwards, all the people knowing that each of them has sinned dropped the stones and departed. The Lord Jesus Christ then shows grace to this woman and forgives her of her sins “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” (John 8:10-11).
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
The Lord Jesus makes tells them He’s God by making this statement “I am the light of the world”, the reaction of the Pharisees is very telling as they get angry and say “Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.” (John 8:13) they knew exactly what was being claimed that Jesus Christ is God. The scriptures say that God shows us light (Psalm 118:27) that God is light (1 John 1:5). Jesus Christ then tells them His testimony is true and that the Father bears witness of Him, that even in the Old Testament the testimony of 2 witnesses is true (John 8:14-19).
The Pharisees were confused at this as they still in unbelief ask the Lord “Where is thy Father?”. He then goes into the temple treasury to teach, He goes on to tell them they will die in their sins and He will return to Heaven and they cannot follow Him even telling them “I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world” (John 8:20-23).
The Lord gives them a message of urgency that if they don’t believe who He says He is then they will die in their sins.
John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free
The Lord Jesus continued to teach in the temple as there were believing Jews there and was encouraging them to continue in His word.
John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
The unbelieving Jews hearing this began to go back and forth with Him saying “We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?” (John 8:33). Those unbelieving Jews didn’t understand that they were indeed in bondage to their sin as they and still to this day believe that following the Law of Moses will make them right with God, but it won’t for only the Lord Jessus was able to keep the Law perfectly. Jesus then tells them:
John 8:34-36 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
The Lord Jesus starts to draw distinctions between those who are children of Abraham and those looking to kill Him, also between the “Father” (God) and “their father” (devil) (John 8:34-36). This angered the unbelieving Jews as they responded saying “Abraham is our father” the Lord’s reply was “If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham” (John 8:39)meaning they would be doing the same things as Abraham.
Then the Lord Jesus says they seek to kill Him that Abraham would have never looked to do such things. That these unbelieving Jews are doing the works of their father (devil). The Jews appeal to not having been born in fornication stating that God is their Father.
John 8:40-41 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
The Lord Jesus tells them if God was their Father, if they truly were children of God then they would love Christ because He came from the Father, but they cannot understand the truthful words our Lord is telling them (John 8:42-43) and here’s why.
John 8:44-46 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
The unbelieving Jews are told by the Lord Jesus that they are children of the devil and previous to that statement He tells them they aren’t children of Abraham because if they were they wouldn’t be trying to kill Him. Not to be confused these unbelieving Jews were Jewish according to the flesh they had a fleshly connection but spiritually they weren’t Jews which matters most, and last but not least because of all of this they weren’t able to hear or understand the Lord’s words.
John 8:45, 47 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. … He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
At this point, the Jews are really riled up and blaspheme twice making a false claim about the Lord Jesus saying: “Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” (John 8:48) and “Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.” (John 8:52). They then ask if He was greater than Abraham (John 8:53). The pressure is building and at some point, something is going to give.
The Lord answers their question regarding who’s greater Abraham or the Lord of Glory Himself.
John 8:54-56 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
The Lord Jesus Christ tells them plainly that Abraham rejoiced to see Him “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.” The unbelieving Jews then make this statement and question, “Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?” (John 8:57) And here comes the climax of the chapter the Lord Jesus responds saying:
John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
The crowd flies into a frenzy grabbing stones to kill Jesus because they knew exactly what He claimed. He was claiming to be God Himself, the same God which spoke to Moses out of the burning bush back in Exodus 3:14
In the Greek the word for “I am” is egō eimi (I exist)
ἐγώegṓ, eg-o’; a primary pronoun of the first person I (only expressed when emphatic):—I, me.
εἰμίeimí, i-mee’; the first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist (used only when emphatic):—am, have been, it is I, was.
Just as He said back at the burning bush I AM THAT I AM, the Lord Jesus is saying that He is the I am. The original Hebrew equivalent from Exodus is: hayah.
הָיָהhâyâh, haw-yaw; a primitive root; to exist, i.e. be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary):—beacon, altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, follow, happen, have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, use.
God Himself stepped into His own creation to save sinners.
The gospel of Luke records in chapter 5 the man brought to Jesus in a bed. The Lord Jesus Christ in His ministry here on earth performed many miracles, signs and works before the children of Israel. He, of course, was faced with the opposition from the Pharisees and many other religious leaders of Jerusalem. Today we are going to look at one of those miracles the Lord did in their sight.
Luke 5:17 And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
Here the scene is set, the Lord Jesus is teaching and the “Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by” these men from the surrounding towns of Galilee, Judaea and Jerusalem and were well familiar with the Law of Moses. They’re concerned was not with the Lord’s teaching but with trying to figure out ways to trap Him. But concerning the people that were there fortunately for them “the power of the Lord was present to heal them”.
Luke 5:18 And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.
The men spoken of here had great faith that the Lord would be able to heal this man bedridden with the palsy. They sought to lay him down before Christ and it’s at this point that their faith was put to the test.
Luke 5:19 And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.
Faith in action, how these men didn’t allow any obstacle to come in their way; just as we shouldn’t allow anything to come between us and the Lord. The house would have been so packed with people, one can only imagine the enormous crowd blocking the way to the Lord. But these men didn’t allow that to stop them they literary climb up on the roof and let the man down by an opening. Nothing was going to stop these men from standing before the Lord.
Luke 5:20 And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.
Christ Jesus affirms their faith, and here’s where we need to pay attention the most, the Lord Jesus says “Man, thy sins are forgiven thee”. A tremendous statement! A mere man cannot say this neither can an angel make such a statement. The Pharisees and doctors are among the people and hear this and the question was put forth.
Luke 5:21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?
“Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” indeed who can forgive sins but God and that’s the takeaway. The Lord Jesus is God because He did forgive sins, no other person can forgive only the Creator Himself can do such a miracle. Every one of us who have had our sins forgiven has heard these words (not audibly), but all believers were told those wonderful words which continues to ring in our ears and souls “thy sins are forgiven thee“. God’s word cannot be more clear that Jesus Christ is God just as the scriptures teach. We have a Creator who loves His creation so much that He wants a personal relationship with them.
And while that relationship was ruined because of the stain of sin, the Lord of Glory knew the only way to repair that broken fellowship was to bring us back to Himself by dying on the cross for wretched sinners. That fellowship is only made possible by the precious blood that was shed on Calvary for those who would receive the free gift of salvation. Indeed who can forgive sins but God alone?! Praise God that He did!!
You can also read the gospel of Mark 2:17 for the same account concerning the man sick of the palsy.
The Watchtower is ruled by a group of men called “The Governing Body” who rule with an iron fist. These 7 men are according to Jehovah Witnesses as “anointed ones” they’re responsible for all doctrines believed by the Jehovah Witnesses. While they say the bible is their ultimate authority it’s simply not true if any JW disagrees with these men the individual will be disfellowshipped with the snap of a finger.
Watchtower February 2017 (Study Edition)
The Watchtower has made the following statement in one of their Watchtower February 2017 (Study Edition) concerning these men at the top running the organization. Let me first say that the Watchtower magazine is where Jehovah Witnesses go for their doctrine which is handed down from the governing body and is considered on an equal level to the bible. This is, of course, the case with any cult, Mormons would say the same for the book of Mormon. But this is not our focus today. In the Watchtower February study addition under “Who Is Leading God’s People Today?” on page 26 we read.
“The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction.” – Watchtower
The Governing Body is not inspired
If you’re a current Jehovah Witness reading this do you take comfort in this statement? “The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction” and has. These individuals who are disseminating information have confessed that they’re not “inspired nor infallible”. This means the doctrines JW’s adhere to can be false and are false. This is tremendous for the Watchtower to make this statement. For those following these men are placing their families in grave danger.
The next body of text reads “In fact, the Watch Tower Publications Index includes the heading “Beliefs Clarified,” which lists adjustments in our Scriptural understanding since 1870.” Beliefs Clarified is an index which shows Jehovah Witness doctrine which needed to be “corrected” because of misunderstanding. The list is enormous over 100+ doctrines needed correction and proves without a shadow of a doubt that the Watchtower is not God’s “organization” as they would lead people to believe.
Here is a list of beliefs which were changed because of a misunderstanding of scripture, it’s actually astounding.
Beliefs Clarified Watch Tower Publications Index 1986-2019
1928, Christmas: kr 102-103; w95 5/15 19; jv 199 cross: kr 104-105 Easter: kr 105 ‘good news of kingdom’ not preached by Bible distribution: w06 2/1 24-25 Great Pyramid of Giza (Gizeh): w00 1/1 9-10; jv 201 Kingdom more important than personal salvation: kr 50
1988, 144,000 sing new song before 24 elders (Re 14:3): re 200-201 approved associates: w88 11/15 10-15, 17 figurative heart: it-1 1057-1058 no resurrection for dead in Sodom and Gomorrah: w88 6/1 30-31 parents may study with disfellowshipped minor child: w88 11/15 20 Revelation: w95 5/15 21; jv 148 unbaptized publishers: w89 2/15 29; w88 11/15 16-20
1991, meaning of Proverbs 27:23: w91 8/1 31
1992, Nethinim and sons of the servants of Solomon after exile: w92 4/15 12-17, 31
1993, kings of north and south during time of the end (Da 11, 12): w93 11/1 13-23 start and end of 1,260 days (Re 11:3) and time, times, and a half (Da 7:25; 12:7): w94 8/1 31; w93 11/1 9-10
1994, tribulation and celestial phenomena (Mt 24:29-31; Mr 13:24-27; Lu 21:25-28): w94 2/15 16-21
1996, acceptability of customary (tribal) marriage: g96 12/8 23 civilian service in lieu of military service: yb97 16; w96 5/1 19-20 “flesh” saved through “great tribulation” (Mt 24:22): w96 8/15 15-20 great tribulation “cut short” (Mt 24:22): w96 8/15 17-18
2002, courtyard in which “great crowd” serve (Re 7:15): w02 5/1 30-31
2003, meaning of baptism of Jewish believers at Pentecost 33 C.E.: w03 5/15 30-31 why some early Christians observed features of the Law: w03 3/15 23-25
2007, start of heavenly resurrection: w07 1/1 27-30 when calling to heavenly hope ceases: w07 5/1 30-31; w07 8/15 19
2008, illustration of dragnet (Mt 13): w08 7/15 20-21 illustration of foundation of house (Lu 6:46-49): w08 2/15 31-32; w08 11/1 29-31 illustration of leaven hidden in flour (Mt 13; Lu 13): w08 7/15 19-21 illustration of man casting seed (Mr 4:26-29): w08 7/15 14-16 illustration of mustard grain (Mt 13; Mr 4; Lu 13): w08 7/15 17-19, 21 Mary’s pain during Jesus’ birth: w08 10/1 23 “this generation” (Mt 24:34; Mr 13:30; Lu 21:32): w10 4/15 10-11; w08 2/15 23-24; w08 4/15 29
2009, “all creation that is under heaven” (Col 1:23): bt 217 head covering for female interpreters for the deaf at meetings: w09 11/15 12-13 resurrection hope for baby dying in womb: w09 4/15 12-13
2010, illustration of wheat and weeds (sowing of seed) (Mt 13:24, 38): w10 3/15 20 illustration of wheat and weeds (wheat brought into storehouse) (Mt 13:30): w10 3/15 22
2011, entering Jehovah’s rest (Heb 4): w11 7/15 24-28 feet of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream image (Da 2): kr 177; w12 6/15 15-16, 19 Jesus “a corresponding ransom” (1Ti 2:6): w11 6/15 13; w11 8/15 32 olive tree (Ro 11): w11 5/15 23-25 Peter in Rome: w11 8/1 25
2012, “all these kingdoms” (Da 2:44): w12 6/15 17 Mordecai and Esther “divide spoil” in fulfillment of Genesis 49:27: ia 142; w12 1/1 29 ruin caused by “king fierce in countenance” (Da 8:23, 24): w12 6/15 16 toes of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream image (Da 2): w12 6/15 16 when seventh world power emerged: w12 6/15 15, 19
2013, anointed not to survive Armageddon on earth: w13 7/15 5 ‘Assyrian invades our land’ (Mic 5:5): w13 11/15 20 chosen ones gathered (Mt 24:31; Mr 13:27): w13 7/15 5 “evil slave” (Mt 24:48-51): w13 7/15 24 “faithful and discreet slave” (Mt 24:45-47): w17.02 26; w15 3/15 8-9; w13 7/15 8, 20-25 great tribulation: w13 7/15 3-8 illustration of wheat and weeds (Mt 13): w13 7/15 13-14 Jesus comes, arrives (Mt 24, 25): w13 7/15 7-8, 24 Jesus inspects spiritual temple 1914-1919 (Mal 3:1-4): w13 7/15 11-12 meaning of name Jehovah: w15 12/15 10-11; nwt 1735
2014, appointment of elders and ministerial servants: w16.11 11; w14 11/15 28-29 basis first-century Jews had for being “in expectation” of Messiah (Lu 3:15): w14 2/15 26-27; w14 6/15 22 drinking an alcoholic beverage before engaging in sacred service: w14 11/15 17 duration of cleansing of spiritual temple (Mal 3:1-4): w14 11/15 30 marriage in resurrection (Lu 20:34-36): w14 8/15 29-30 “solid foundation of God” (2Ti 2:19): w14 7/15 8-9, 13 two witnesses (Re 11): w14 11/15 30
2015, Gog of Magog (Eze 38, 39): rr 240; w15 5/15 29-30 head covering for sister conducting Bible study: w15 2/15 30 illustration of talents (Mt 25): w15 3/15 20-24 illustration of ten virgins (Mt 25): w15 3/15 13-16 paradise Paul saw in vision (2Co 12:1-4): w15 7/15 8-9 types and antitypes: w15 3/15 9-11, 17-18; w15 6/15 32
2016, anointed zealously active during World War I: w16.11 27-29 captivity of anointed to Babylon the Great: w16.03 29-31; w16.11 21-30 congregational expression of joy over reinstatement of someone: w16.05 32 Jesus taken by Satan to battlement of temple (Mt 4:5; Lu 4:9): w16.03 31-32;w16.06 32 man with secretary’s inkhorn (Eze 9): rr 238; w16.06 16-17; w16.12 18 meaning of two sticks (Eze 37:15-28): rr 240; w16.07 31-32 valley of dry bones (Eze 37:1-14): rr 239; w16.03 29-31
2017, Jehovah “will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear”—how? (1Co 10:13): w17.02 29-30 line of descent of Messiah not tied to firstborn: w17.12 14-15
2018, Ezekiel’s temple vision (Eze 40-48): rr 138-141, 240 four faces of living creatures (Eze 1, 10): rr 43, 45, 48, 238 meaning of term “new world”: w18.12 8 Oholah and Oholibah (Eze 23): rr 166, 239 “river” embraces worship in addition to rulership (Ps 46:4): rr 204 to whom Psalm 144:12-15 applies: w18.04 32 whether Christendom is antitypical Jerusalem: rr 174, 239
After looking at this extensive list of failed teaching which needed correction, there no shadow of doubt that this organization of the Watchtower is not lead by God. God never makes any mistakes and for a group of men who claim to get direct divine instruction from “Jehovah God” have in this list alone over 100+ doctrines which needed correction.
“Raised in the truth”
When engaging with Jehovah Witnesses they will make statements such as “I was raised in the truth” or they might ask someone “when did you come into the truth”. Jehovah Witnesses refer to the organization as “the truth”, this is pretty disturbing because the only Truth is Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Jehovah Witnesses say that they are the “only true religion” and all others are false.
Watchtower December 1981
According to the 1981 Watchtower magazine, the Jehovah Witnesses made this claim of being the only true organization from God.
Interestingly enough we see that we must be in touch with God’s channel of communication and that reading the bible alone is not going to help? The Watchtower is saying that unless you’re a part of their organization then you just won’t understand the bible neither will you “progress along the road to life”. This is how the Watchtower cult brainwashes people to believe they must be a Jehovah Witness in order to have salvation. Outside of the Watchtower no one can be saved or make it to “paradise earth”.
Here’s an inside look as to the structure of the Watchtower in how they distribute doctrine while the 7 men we mentioned earlier keep themselves at the top of the “food chain” sort of speak.
As you can see this is how the Watchtower is structured. According to Watchtower “Jehovah God” gives spiritual food through Jesus Christ that then is passed down to “the governing body” they, in turn, will pass it down to the “elders” and “ministerial servants” then to everyone else.
These 7 men claim they alone receive direct revelation from God. But if you recall their statement “The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction”, So which is it? If they are getting doctrine straight from God Himself as this chart portrays, they wouldn’t have countless failed prophecies.
Failed Prophecies
Before we look at some of those failed prophecies let’s take a look at one of their quotes from the Awake magazine 1968 speaking about false prophets.
“True, there have been those in times past who predicted an ‘end of the world,’ even announcing a specific date. …Yet, nothing happened. The ‘end’ did not come. They were guilty of false prophesying. Why? What was missing? …Missing from such people were God’s truths and the evidence that he was guiding and using them.”—Awake!, October 8, 1968, p. 23
Let us also hold the Watchtower to the same standard that we may determine if they have “God’s truths”? Here’s a list of some failed prophecies which never came to pass from the Watchtower.
The Watchtower Society proclaimed that 1914 would “end” world governments that never happened in 1914 we still have world governments.
“We see no reason for changing the figures—nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God’s dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble.”—Zion’s Watch Tower, July 15, 1894, p. 226-231 [Watchtower Reprints, p. 1677]
The Watchtower Society was sure that the date 1914 would not be “changed” and it was changed “not the date for the beginning, but for the end”?
When 1914 failed, they “changed” the “date” in their updated edition of The Time is At Hand book?
1918 – “Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by millions, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russel to learn the meaning of the downfall of ‘Christianity.’ ” —The Finished Mystery,Studies in the Scriptures, vol. 7, 1917, p. 485
Jehovah Witnesses believe in a God that doesn’t exist God will never destroy His church this reminds me of when the disciples asked the Lord Jesus to command fire to come down from heaven and the Lord rebuked them (Luke 9:55-56).
If you’d like to look into it more here’s a link to a bunch of their false prophecies.
It’s plain to see that the Watchtower is not of God, they follow erroneous doctrines some of which are blasphemous, and they have predicted a ton of false prophecies which never came to pass when they said it would. This qualifies them as false prophets, the bible says:
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. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? 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.
Judge for yourself can God make mistakes absolutely not, and if an organization which claims to be God’s only theocratic organization on earth and God’s prophet makes false predictions such as these then we must reject all claims and beliefs from the Jehovah Witnesses. Here’s another statement from them just so you can see that they claim to be a “prophet”.
“So, does Jehovah have a prophet to help them, to warn them of dangers and to declare things to come? …He had a “prophet” to warn them. This “prophet” was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. …Of course, it is easy to say that this group acts as a “prophet” of God. It is another thing to prove it. The only way that this can be done is to review the record. What does it show?” —The Watchtower, April 1, 1972, p. 197
To the Jehovah’s Witness
This is not an attack on you this is to disprove the false doctrine of the Watchtower. You must understand that you have been deceived by this cult. Because you never trusted in the true Lord Jesus Christ of the Bible you’re still dead in your sins. Don’t be angry at the messenger it was the Watchtower who lied to you. Abandon this cult and be saved by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ said:
John 5:39-40 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
Whatsoever Things Are True 