Below we have selected five points that they make in their little book known as 'what can the bible teach us?' (also known as what does the bible teach us?); of which is a very inventful title since we know full well that they pervert it from cover to cover. Let us now consider these statements:
It would seem that in such a small but fundamental change, such as 'lived' that they are smuggling a huge and weighty error into the picture. And that is that Christ is something else beside being God. And what is it that they are trying to state without so much as a word in this revised book. Yes Revised because the older version makes it clear in these words 'As a spirit creature in heaven' which has been changed and replace with these words 'Even before coming to earth.' So even if the updated and revised book saying later thing; we can guarantee that it nonetheless the teaching of the Watchtower. And this a fact that cannot be denied.
And you do not have to look far as we find this in the Watchtower Org section called "Bible questions answered": 'As God’s firstborn Son, Jesus was a spirit creature in heaven before he was born as a human on earth.
The idea that 'Jesus is the only one that Jehovah is contradicted by the Old Testament. We have seen that Jesus as to his divine nature is eternal and is God. But God makes it clear that He alone created all things in the Old Testament; we see this in a very particular manner in the 40th to the 48th chapters of Isaiah where Jehovah actually says that He was alone when he created all things. Let us note what just one of these grand passages states that it God who 'created the heavens and the earth' in Genesis 1 and then in Isaiah 40:8 we are told that God 'gives his glory to no other' and this is the issue that this Organisation does it makes Christ into another God besides the one true God. And that is nothing idolatry.
Let us consider what Colossians 1 teaches in full context:
And this is surely enough to make this point redundant. But there is much more to consider as such as we find in this statement: 'The Bible says that Jesus was created, which means that Jesus had a beginning. But Jehovah, who created all things, had no beginning.' This is a very misguided attempt at dealing with the bible. 'Jesus had a beginning' they say. But what they do not tell you is that no Christian denies this. We just allow the bible to state the whole truth: Jesus as to His human nature was created; but not his divinity that's eternal and unchanging. He is God.
But what are to make of these two statements 'The bible is clear' and that 'They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home.' Even though they are some time apart and seem to be saying a positive; they really are not. What it is saying is that the bible is not sufficient to be understood by anyone but the 'Organisation' themselves. Which is a tad bit suspicious. How do they know that what they are teaching is correct. And it is important to note that Raymond Franz whom was an insider for many years even rose to the top position in the society. Said that the Organisation never had the bible open in their meetings when putting together magazines. And that is because it is a spiritually closed book. And after noting the internal contradictions on the Watchtower's part such as this one being some 35 years apart and one mentioned previously being only some 5 years apart. There no need to deal with the passages offered except to say that they have not dealt with them sufficiently or accurately such as John 14:28 is not greater nature but disposition.
Now we come to the next statement that Watchtower has to offer up:
They say that 'Jehovah and Jesus worked together for millions of years..' Do they realise that time only existed when it was brought into existence and that before the universe existed there was no time; especially when it concerns God; he is eternal. Time has no place in God realm of existence. And secondly, for a created being to be described as 'the image of the invisible God' is heresy. It is sheer blasphemy. The point behind the term 'image' does not merely mean that he imitates God; though it does entail such a thing. What is being established and made known in this term is that Christ as to his essential character and nature (not his humanity); He is all that God is and is God. He, therefore, in reality is the perfect representation of and perfectly imitates him in all his glory. He is as Paul and Peter make clear 'the Great God' of the universe. This is the testimony of all the scriptures.
Question: how does a human (even a created spirit) 'imitate God's qualities so well' without himself being something other than a creation of any kind? It simply cannot happen. Never has been nor will ever be.
Let us ask a key question: how are they doing this in this statement? Well, as we saw in the first statement that there was a very crucial statement regarding a belief that the Watchtower held and still does regarding the Lord being a spirit creature or archangel Michael before he came to earth and that he resumed that role upon returning to heaven once his human body disintegrated. And this can be well established via there works. Would that not show that lying is a positive action on the organisation agenda? That they have no problem in doing it.
So while the above statement says the truth about Christ. It is not the truth concern watchtowers actual beliefs; and therefore, it is using deceptive means to make a point in its missionary movement.
And we come to a final statement that is made in regards to Christ by the Organisation, after making a point that you can know 'a famous person' without ever really and truly knowing them personally. That much is true but just how much of their own thoughts do they consistently hold too. For example:
The first scripture mentioned is John 17:3 (and it is not correctly handled in its translation) which is an important stated. From verse 1-5 it is a out right claim to Christ's divine nature and eternal pre-existence. He, in this section makes it clear that he is the one true God but note the Father; he is the Son. Now notice what the verse in question actually states, in that it teach that 'eternal life' is something that can only known in light of 'knowing God the Father and God the Son' it is the knowledge of both persons that makes salvation real. God the Father as the foundation of salvation; God the Son as the executioner of salvation. And the rest of the chapter hints at the third person; the Holy Spirit being one whom brings it alive in a person. But verse 5 must never be left out for it shows that the One True God though being one in being; essence or nature is in another way multiple in persons as the Son speaks of the 'glory he had with the Father before creation.' A hugely significant fact that is seen right back in John 1.
Then we have a misidentification of where paradise is located "paradise earth" and it is connected to John 14:6 which says nothing about where believers will be in eternity that comes in verses 1-4. Verse 6 speaks of the sole entry being found one person (not a false system or organisation like watchtower) it states: 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father (a person) except by me (Jesus, another person). See the problem with these false teachers; they cannot even correctly state a verse as it contradicts their own system. But even more astounding in this section is that it is Jesus who prepares the place for those who are united in him. No need for watchtower the perverters of truth in any manner. Just come to Christ for forgiveness and true peace that is not found in any other place.
While in the last place, there is nothing to disagree with in what they say about 'Jesus being the best example of how we are treat others' all very correct. It does, however, lead one to wonder. How does this practical application find itself being lived out in the J.W community knowing that they are not even taught the full counsel of God with any accuracy or consistency. It leaves a very big question of why they would even begin to say such a thing in the first place.
I leave off with the following passage of scriptures:
The false foundation can be (1) physical signs being the key thing that determines ones faith. (2) false teachings either associated with physical signs or independent thereof. (3) some new prophet with new revelation. (4) any kind of system or organisation that usurps Christ headship and authority. (5) a personality cult of many types and varieties. And in the case of WatchTower all fives have or are evidenced realities.
1. What does the Bible teach about Jesus’ life before he came to earth? The Bible teaches that Jesus lived in heaven for a long time before he came to earth. Micah said that the Messiah was “from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2) Jesus himself said many times that he had lived in heaven before being born as a human. (Read John 3:13; 6:38, 62; 17:4, 5.) Even before coming to earth, Jesus had a special relationship with Jehovah.We start with this very interesting paragraph and almost straight off the bat, we come to a small but interesting error. Notice what is said in this first line 'the bible teaches Jesus lived in heaven' at first this seems okay and it is quite correct but only in a round about way. It does not say 'he lived in heaven' in any text; but that he 'came from heaven.' It is possible that this glitch is a way to smuggle in another thing and it is, notice these words 'for a long time' where does the idea of time ever enter into the picture, it doesn't. The bible is clear on this matter in these words: 'In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God.' That is, the Word was there before anything that came into existence including time; and it is because He was with God in a eternal relationship; and was as to his nature God.
It would seem that in such a small but fundamental change, such as 'lived' that they are smuggling a huge and weighty error into the picture. And that is that Christ is something else beside being God. And what is it that they are trying to state without so much as a word in this revised book. Yes Revised because the older version makes it clear in these words 'As a spirit creature in heaven' which has been changed and replace with these words 'Even before coming to earth.' So even if the updated and revised book saying later thing; we can guarantee that it nonetheless the teaching of the Watchtower. And this a fact that cannot be denied.
And you do not have to look far as we find this in the Watchtower Org section called "Bible questions answered": 'As God’s firstborn Son, Jesus was a spirit creature in heaven before he was born as a human on earth.
' Consistency is just not their strong suit. Finding statements on their site regarding what they believe regarding the Lord Jesus Christ is not a hard thing to do. But it shows one important and critical point: when it comes to the bible and its full teaching; they do not care to neglect the scriptures and go off on a tangent to uphold a blatant false teaching. And Raymond Franz has made it clear that in their meeting there is at leat one consistent reality a closed bible.
Now we shall move onto the second argument offered by the Society:
2. Why is Jesus so precious to Jehovah? Jesus is very precious to Jehovah. Why? Because God created him before everything and everyone else. So Jesus is called “the firstborn of all creation.” * (Colossians 1:15) Jesus is also precious to Jehovah because he is the only one Jehovah created directly. That is why he is called the “only-begotten Son.” (John 3:16) Jesus is also the only one Jehovah used to create all other things. (Colossians 1:16) And only Jesus is called “the Word,” because Jehovah used him to give messages and instructions to angels and humans.—John 1:14.Even in make a correct point in saying 'Jesus is precious to Jehovah' such would be the case of any Son to their Father (and vice versa). No sooner than stating this crucial truth do they stray into err. And it is to be expected when you are set on keeping the truth from the people in your midst through deceptive means. And this sort of thing is common to all cults; this one is no exception. Now why do I say that they have erred and at that so grievously? Simply in these first words 'because God created him before everything else,' where do they get this idea? what text are they misrepresenting? And more importantly, why are they? Well we do not need to wonder far as it is mentioned Colossians 1:15 is the text that they are abusing.
The idea that 'Jesus is the only one that Jehovah is contradicted by the Old Testament. We have seen that Jesus as to his divine nature is eternal and is God. But God makes it clear that He alone created all things in the Old Testament; we see this in a very particular manner in the 40th to the 48th chapters of Isaiah where Jehovah actually says that He was alone when he created all things. Let us note what just one of these grand passages states that it God who 'created the heavens and the earth' in Genesis 1 and then in Isaiah 40:8 we are told that God 'gives his glory to no other' and this is the issue that this Organisation does it makes Christ into another God besides the one true God. And that is nothing idolatry.
Let us consider what Colossians 1 teaches in full context:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
Here is the full passage that they are ripping one verse from to make their invalid point. And even more it is a portion of a verse, it reads: 'He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.' There it is, the term 'firstborn' this is a powerful term, that hold a few ideas depending on the context. And that must be our golden rule 'context' is the king in all discussion. So what does it mean in and of itself. In one sense it can means what it says as in a child that is born first; the eldest of a clan. And Jesus was in his humanity being the older of about 8. But there is a deeper sense that it hold that does not refer to this kind of thing. It can and does also infer and mean permanent one (one to rule and reign over every other person.
No can legitimately dismiss the first idea being true of Jesus in humanity. But the context does not provide any support to suggest that is the meaning in this instance. As it speak of him ruling over two arenas: the first is the church; the second is everyone who passes way and is no longer in this realm. Both the church and the world at large. But there is more, even from the Old Testament concerning King David. He is said to the 'firstborn' in Psalm 89: 27. Clearly this has a very particular meaning behind it that has no baring on him being physically born first; for we know he was the last born of Jesse sons. So that indicates something more about his God given position as a ruler. And this is the same point we see in the case of our Lord. As we continue on with this wonderful section in Colossians 1, it states: 'all things have been created through Him and for Him.' Compare this to John 1:3 and you will come to the same glorious truth. Christ as the sole creator of all things. And then when you consider John 1:1 and Colossians 1:15a it is clear that He is God by nature. And this is consistent with the whole New Testament. The idea that he some angel or spirit creature is unbiblical and ahistorical in nature.
Now let us come to the third statement from the Watchtower:
Now let us come to the third statement from the Watchtower:
3. How do we know that Jesus and God are not the same person? Some people believe that Jesus and God are the same person. But that’s not what the Bible teaches. The Bible says that Jesus was created, which means that Jesus had a beginning. But Jehovah, who created all things, had no beginning. (Psalm 90:2) As God’s Son, Jesus never thought of trying to be God. The Bible clearly teaches that the Father is greater than the Son. (Read John 14:28; 1 Corinthians 11:3.) Only Jehovah is “God Almighty.” (Genesis 17:1) He is the greatest and most powerful person in the universe.—See Endnote 14.It is interesting to see the Watchtower argue a case for the Trinitarian position against the unitarian and oneness perspective unknowingly. And without knowing it they are making an easy point of refuting the watcher as well. As no informed Trinitarian whether in the long church history nor presently would argue that Christ and God are 'the same person.' That is such a grave error. And, in fact, The watchtower in their 1981 edition of 'watchtower had said this interesting thing that needs to be considered:
From time to time, there have arisen from among the ranks of Jehovah's people those, who, like the original Satan, have adopted an independent, faultfinding attitude . . . They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such 'Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago . . . " (Watchtower, Aug. 15, 1981, p. 29).Let us note these last words very carefully. The 'apostate doctrines' from '100 years ago' from the time this was said in 1981 puts it back to 1891 and that period. And we know that what was being taught biblically, exegetically, and expositionally from 16th century to the 19th centuries by all the past preachers and teachers that God has raised up to make known his truth. And this is the most sublime thing that we can begin to grapple with in this day. Now what was it that was being believed and taught and confirmed by the Christian community of 1881 (and that time period): (1) the Trinity; (2) the Deity of Christ; (3) Justification by Faith as some central points. And for the Watchtower to say 'But, strangely, through such 'bible reading' what they are really saying is that the Christian teaching that were being made known 1881 are correct and the watchtower's have been false all along. And this is the true position even today. This is enough to put a crank in the cogs of the Watchtower.
And this is surely enough to make this point redundant. But there is much more to consider as such as we find in this statement: 'The Bible says that Jesus was created, which means that Jesus had a beginning. But Jehovah, who created all things, had no beginning.' This is a very misguided attempt at dealing with the bible. 'Jesus had a beginning' they say. But what they do not tell you is that no Christian denies this. We just allow the bible to state the whole truth: Jesus as to His human nature was created; but not his divinity that's eternal and unchanging. He is God.
But what are to make of these two statements 'The bible is clear' and that 'They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home.' Even though they are some time apart and seem to be saying a positive; they really are not. What it is saying is that the bible is not sufficient to be understood by anyone but the 'Organisation' themselves. Which is a tad bit suspicious. How do they know that what they are teaching is correct. And it is important to note that Raymond Franz whom was an insider for many years even rose to the top position in the society. Said that the Organisation never had the bible open in their meetings when putting together magazines. And that is because it is a spiritually closed book. And after noting the internal contradictions on the Watchtower's part such as this one being some 35 years apart and one mentioned previously being only some 5 years apart. There no need to deal with the passages offered except to say that they have not dealt with them sufficiently or accurately such as John 14:28 is not greater nature but disposition.
Now we come to the next statement that Watchtower has to offer up:
4. Why does the Bible say that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God”? Jehovah and his Son, Jesus, worked closely together for billions of years before the heavens and the earth were created. They must have loved each other very much! (John 3:35; 14:31) Jesus imitated his father’s qualities so well that the Bible calls him “the image of the invisible God.”—Colossians 1:15.Never mind about the false scientific assumption being placed into this discussing when it reads 'millions of years.' It simply is an unfounded assumption, based on no first hand eyewitness. And even more importantly, no one knows the age of the earth and for anyone to say they do implying beggars belief. Now Putting that issue aside for there is a grander problem in hand. Baring in mind something previously said which we have dealt with. 'Some people believe that Jesus and God are the same person.... Jesus was created.' Here in this fourth claim we have the perfect refutation of both statements; and therefore, the Organisation.
They say that 'Jehovah and Jesus worked together for millions of years..' Do they realise that time only existed when it was brought into existence and that before the universe existed there was no time; especially when it concerns God; he is eternal. Time has no place in God realm of existence. And secondly, for a created being to be described as 'the image of the invisible God' is heresy. It is sheer blasphemy. The point behind the term 'image' does not merely mean that he imitates God; though it does entail such a thing. What is being established and made known in this term is that Christ as to his essential character and nature (not his humanity); He is all that God is and is God. He, therefore, in reality is the perfect representation of and perfectly imitates him in all his glory. He is as Paul and Peter make clear 'the Great God' of the universe. This is the testimony of all the scriptures.
Question: how does a human (even a created spirit) 'imitate God's qualities so well' without himself being something other than a creation of any kind? It simply cannot happen. Never has been nor will ever be.
5. How could Jehovah’s precious Son be born as a human? Jehovah’s precious Son was willing to leave heaven and be born on earth as a human. How was that possible? Jehovah miraculously transferred his Son’s life from heaven to the womb of a virgin named Mary. In this way, Jesus did not need to have a human father. So Mary gave birth to a perfect son, and she called him Jesus.—Luke 1:30-35.What seems like a good point; and if it were not the Watchtower saying this. I would give a hearty Amen. But once again, the issue that is somewhat vacant in this statement is the fact that they are not forthcoming in just what they believe concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. And this is apart of the great deception in the Watchtower or better known as the 'theocratic war strategy.' Which is something that the Organisation has put in place as a means of hiding the truth from people at all costs. To use the Watchtowers own language as to what this is:
.... hiding the truth by word or action for the sake of the ministry.In other words, this is the philosophy in which lying which is forbidden in both the Old and New testaments because it is a sinful act on natural mans part and a thing which God hates 'a lying tongue' says Proverb 6:16-19 'is an abomination to Him.' And yet, this is exactly the thing being touted by the Watchtower as a holy action to do when witnessing. How very strange.
Let us ask a key question: how are they doing this in this statement? Well, as we saw in the first statement that there was a very crucial statement regarding a belief that the Watchtower held and still does regarding the Lord being a spirit creature or archangel Michael before he came to earth and that he resumed that role upon returning to heaven once his human body disintegrated. And this can be well established via there works. Would that not show that lying is a positive action on the organisation agenda? That they have no problem in doing it.
So while the above statement says the truth about Christ. It is not the truth concern watchtowers actual beliefs; and therefore, it is using deceptive means to make a point in its missionary movement.
And we come to a final statement that is made in regards to Christ by the Organisation, after making a point that you can know 'a famous person' without ever really and truly knowing them personally. That much is true but just how much of their own thoughts do they consistently hold too. For example:
It is important for you to know the truth about Jesus. Why? The Bible tells us: “This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3) Yes, if you know the truth about Jehovah and Jesus, you can live forever on a paradise earth. (John 14:6) Also, knowing about Jesus will help you because he is the best example of how to live and treat others. (John 13:34, 35) In Chapter 1, we learned the truth about God. Now we will learn what the Bible teaches about Jesus.Let us notice this statement and carefully examine it. The first thing we should note is what is said in the opening words: 'It is important to know the truth about Jesus.' We could not agree more with this statement. But unfortunately, it is not followed through by the Organisation. For they do not have a clue as whom Christ truly is; he is the Eternal Son of God, the second person of the Trinity. The one whom took upon himself the form of a man (while at the same time: remaining God). But let us take note of just what is said in this statement.
The first scripture mentioned is John 17:3 (and it is not correctly handled in its translation) which is an important stated. From verse 1-5 it is a out right claim to Christ's divine nature and eternal pre-existence. He, in this section makes it clear that he is the one true God but note the Father; he is the Son. Now notice what the verse in question actually states, in that it teach that 'eternal life' is something that can only known in light of 'knowing God the Father and God the Son' it is the knowledge of both persons that makes salvation real. God the Father as the foundation of salvation; God the Son as the executioner of salvation. And the rest of the chapter hints at the third person; the Holy Spirit being one whom brings it alive in a person. But verse 5 must never be left out for it shows that the One True God though being one in being; essence or nature is in another way multiple in persons as the Son speaks of the 'glory he had with the Father before creation.' A hugely significant fact that is seen right back in John 1.
Then we have a misidentification of where paradise is located "paradise earth" and it is connected to John 14:6 which says nothing about where believers will be in eternity that comes in verses 1-4. Verse 6 speaks of the sole entry being found one person (not a false system or organisation like watchtower) it states: 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father (a person) except by me (Jesus, another person). See the problem with these false teachers; they cannot even correctly state a verse as it contradicts their own system. But even more astounding in this section is that it is Jesus who prepares the place for those who are united in him. No need for watchtower the perverters of truth in any manner. Just come to Christ for forgiveness and true peace that is not found in any other place.
While in the last place, there is nothing to disagree with in what they say about 'Jesus being the best example of how we are treat others' all very correct. It does, however, lead one to wonder. How does this practical application find itself being lived out in the J.W community knowing that they are not even taught the full counsel of God with any accuracy or consistency. It leaves a very big question of why they would even begin to say such a thing in the first place.
I leave off with the following passage of scriptures:
Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. (Matthew 7: 21-29)The point in this is that Those whom build their lives on the sure foundation of Christ and his Word will not be moved by any false teaching in the sense that they will be mislead (they will be moved into grief at the errors being propounded); but they will not be misled into the error themselves.
The false foundation can be (1) physical signs being the key thing that determines ones faith. (2) false teachings either associated with physical signs or independent thereof. (3) some new prophet with new revelation. (4) any kind of system or organisation that usurps Christ headship and authority. (5) a personality cult of many types and varieties. And in the case of WatchTower all fives have or are evidenced realities.
