May 2008

But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence - 1 Peter 3:15

More on JW Salvation

The Jehovah's Witnesses view of salvation is quite complex and raises many sub issues that likewise are complex. Christians believe that to be saved one MUST be born again. This is a repentant heart toward God and faith in the finished and completed work of Jesus Christ at the cross. All true believers will spend eternity in the presence of God.

Witnesses say only 144,000 are born again and are the bride of Christ. They go to heaven to be with God, all other rather second class believers live on a paradise earth. Most have no desire what so ever to go to heaven and are rather proud that they are NOT going to heaven. A wonderful paradise earth will be their reward.

Witnesses believe that one cannot know he is "saved" now but awaits a future salvation. There can be no assurance of salvation since one must be faithful to the end.

Although Witnesses give lip service that they are saved by faith in Jesus, they have a long list of things that must accompany this faith.

To begin with they must take in knowledge and truth. Their repentance is a performance that is in harmony with the teachings and activities of the Watchtower Society. Of course you must recognize and associate one's self with the Watchtower Society as "God's organization", obey God's laws and conform one's life to the moral requirements set out in the Bible. Your integrity to Jehovah will coincide with your integrity to his earthly organization. Your door to door work will be a strong indication that you are acceptable before God.

Screen capture of Watchtower.org web site. This ariticle, “What Does it Mean to be a Christian”
does not mention the blood of Jesus, the cross, or gift. However, the photo of going door to door
and numerous works of righteousness certainly are.

The part that the Organization plays in salvation is central to the witness. The society sees God as the Father and the organization as the Mother:

"The world is full of Bibles, which Book contains the commandments of God. Why, then, do the people not know which way to go? Because they do not also have the teaching or law of the mother, which is light. Jehovah God has provided his holy written Word for all mankind and it contains all the information that is needed for men in taking a course leading to life. But God has not arranged for that Word to speak independently or to shine forth life-giving truths by itself. His Word says: "Light is sown for the righteous." (Ps. 97:11) It is through his organization that God provides this light that the proverb says is the teaching or law of the mother. If we are to walk in the light of truth we must recognize not only Jehovah God as our Father but his organization as our mother." (Watchtower, May 1, 1957, p. 274)

The focus on the organization is clearly seen when they join the society in their baptismal question:

"(1) On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will? (2) Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization?" ( Watchtower, June 1, 1985. page 30)

Strict records are kept of the individuals door to door activity to prove one's faithfulness to Jehovah. The Watchtower magazine teaches the importance of this work:

"God has arranged for the 'good news of the kingdom' to be proclaimed so that each individual will have opportunity to work out his own salvation." (Watchtower, Feb. 1, 1985, p. 5)

"God requires that prospective subjects of his kingdom support his government by loyalty, advocating his Kingdom rule to others." (Watchtower, Feb.15 1983, pp.12-12

Ephesians 2:8-10 puts the whole thing into perspective. Salvation including faith is a "Gift" that cannot be earned. We are the workmanship of God saved to produce good works.

In John 14:6 Jesus stressed that it is not an organization that saves but rather Jesus Himself:

"I am the way the truth and the life no one comes to the Father but by me."

Published Monthy

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