Who is Jesus Christ?

This question is one of the most critical religious and philosophical ones ever asked. It automatically leads to other equally crucial issues. Just who was this Man, Jesus, historically? What did He accomplish and why? And most important, what does His life mean to an individual?

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society—also known as the Jehovah’s Witnesses or the Watchtower Society—is one religious organization that claims definite answers to all questions about Jesus Christ. This unusual religious movement, founded in 1884 by Charles Taze Russell (1852-1916), and now led by a small committee of supposedly inspired biblical interpreters claims to have the final word about the person and work of Jesus, as well as all other theological issues. Millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses believe confidently that the Watchtower Society’s positions indisputably are correct and any opinions to the contrary are wrong.

The more significant issue for Jehovah’s Witnesses and those outside that organization is how one’s relationship to Christ is affected by Watchtower views.

Jesus’ Prehuman Existence

The Watchtower Society teaches that Jesus Christ was the first created being of Jehovah God. Jehovah God created Jesus as a divine-like spirit at some point in ancient, pre-creation time. “This means that he was created before all the other spirit sons of God, and that he is the only one who was directly created by God” (You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth [Live] [Brooklyn: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, 1982], p. 58).

In His preexistence, Jesus was known as “the Word” (John 1:3,10,14) because He was God’s spokesman, according to the Watchtower Society. He is also identified by Jehovah’s Witnesses with Michael the archangel. “Reasonably, then, the archangel Michael is Jesus Christ. So the evidence indicates that the Son of God (Jesus) was known as Michael before he came to earth” (Reasoning from the Scriptures [Reasoning] [Brooklyn: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, 1985], p. 218).

The Watchtower teaches that through the agency of the prehuman Christ, Jehovah created all other things in the universe. “He is also God’s ‘only-begotten’ Son in that he is the only one directly created by Jehovah God; all other things came into existence through him as God’s Chief Agent” (The Truth that Leads to Eternal Life [Truth] [Brooklyn: Watchtower Bible and Tract society of New York, 1968], p. 47).

This Agent, however, is not to be confused as being a Co-creator with God. “The Son’s share in the creative works, however, did not make him a Co-creator with the Father. Rather than a Co-creator, then, the Son was the Agent or instrumentality through whom Jehovah, the Creator worked” (Aid to Bible Understanding, [Aid] [Brooklyn: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, 1971, p. 918).

Christians maintain there is no scriptural evidence to equate Michael the archangel with the prehuman Christ. The Watchtower Society’s assertion that they are the same person is based on their incorrect assumptions about Christ’s creation and misinterpretations of Daniel 10 and 12, Jude 9, and 1 Thessalonians 4:16, none of which identify Michael as Christ. Also, Christians contend that Christ was not merely a created being, but eternally preexistent as God the Son with the Father. He was indeed the Creator, with the Father and the Spirit, of all things (see John 1:1-14; Phil. 2:5-11; Col. 1:15-20; Rev. 3:14).

Jesus’ Divinity

The Watchtower Society denies the deity and eternal preexistence of Jesus Christ. This contrasts sharply with historic Christian beliefs that Jesus was God the Son, the second member of the eternal Trinity.

The Watchtower Society’s position is similar to the fourth century Arian heresy, universally rejected by Christian churches at the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325. The Watchtower Society has made a number of interpretative errors and translation changes to conform Scripture to their presuppositions. For example, the Watchtower Society’s Bible, The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT), translates John 1:1: “In [the] beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.”

The Watchtower Society asserts that since the Greek language has no indefinite articles (a or an), the article can be used where needed in translating; thus they insert “a” before god to emphasize the Word’s (Christ’s) inferiority to God. This biased rendering cannot be justified grammatically and has been rejected by every reputable Greek scholar.

The Watchtower Society also errs in its interpretation of Colossians 1:15-20. They interpret the word “firstborn” in verse 15 to mean “first-created.” However, the firstborn (prototokos) principle in Hebrew culture refers to privilege and superiority, not to priority in time. Also, the Watchtower Society has presumptuously added to its translation of verses 16-20 by parenthetically inserting “other” in several places where no word appears in the Greek text. This unwarranted addition is made so the text will conform to the Watchtower Society’s theological position on Christ.

“Because by means of him all [other] things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All [other] things have been created through him and for him. Also, he is before all [other] things and by means of him all [other] things were made to exist” (Col. 1:16-17, NWT).

Another example is the Watchtower Society’s interpretation of Revelation 3:14 (NASB), “The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God.” The NWT renders the clause, “the beginning of the creation by God,” which the Watchtower Society says is proof that Jesus was the first created being. This interpretation errs at two points. First, the word rendered “beginning” is the Greek arche, which can also be translated as “source” (New English Bible); “ruler” (New International Version), or “origin” (Good News Bible), thus confirming the orthodox view of Christ’s divinity.

As famed Greek scholar A.T. Robertson commented on this phrase: “Not the first of creatures as the Arians held and Unitarians do now, but the originating source of creation through whom God works” (Archibald Thomas Robinson, Word Pictures in the New Testament, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1933, p. 321).

The other problem with the Watchtower Society’s interpretation of this verse concerns their translation of the clause tou Theou as “by God.” The genitive grammatical usage requires “of God,” which further suggests that Christ is the prime source or origin of God’s creation, not its beginning in time. Other Scriptures also are translated incorrectly or interpreted to fit the Jehovah’s Witness’ theology. John 8:58 (NASB), where Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am,” is rendered in the NWT as “Before Abraham came into existence, I have been.” John 14:28 (NASB), in which Jesus states, “The Father is greater than I,” is interpreted in the NWT to prove Jesus’ inferiority. Christian interpreters contend that the verse refers to the voluntary, temporary subordination of Jesus during His earthly life, not to His divine nature. Titus 2:13 is inaccurately translated in the NWT as “while we wait for the happy hope and glorious manifestation of the great God and of (the) Savior of us, Chris

Jesus’ Birth

The Watchtower Society teaches that Michael the archangel disappeared from heaven and was conceived miraculously by (the Virgin) Mary. “Since actual conception took place, it appears that Jehovah God caused an ovum or egg cell in Mary’s womb to become fertile, accomplishing this by the transferal of the life of his firstborn Son from the spirit realm to the earth” (Aid, p. 920).

“Marvelously, Jehovah transferred the life-force and the personality pattern of his first-born heavenly Son to the womb of Mary. God’s own active force, his holy spirit, safeguarded the development of the child in Mary’s womb so that what was born was a perfect human” (Reasoning, p. 255).

Christians concur with the Watchtower Society’s belief in the miraculous, virgin birth (conception) of Jesus Christ. However, in addition to the unscriptural notions of Jesus’ preexistence as Michael, a major disagreement by Christians relates to the Watchtower Society’s depersonalization of the Holy Spirit. The Watchtower Society also contends that they have determined the exact dates for Jesus’ birth, baptism, and death. “Jesus was evidently born in the month of Ethanium (September-October) of the year 2 B.C.E. (Before the Common Era), was baptized about the same time of the year in 29 C.E. (Common Era), and died about 3 p.m. on Friday, the fourteenth day of the spring month of Nisan (March- April), 33 C.E.” (Aid, p. 920).

Most Bible scholars dispute the above chronology for many reasons and agree that Jesus’ birth date cannot be determined precisely. For instance, most scholars disagree with the date of 2 B.C. based on archaeological evidence that indicates King Herod I, who attempted to kill the infant Jesus, died in 4 B.C.

Jesus’ Life and Death
The Watchtower Society teaches that after His birth Jesus became a perfect man who came to earth to bear witness to the truth of Jehovah God and to defeat Satan. Jesus received His messiahship at age 30, on the day of His baptism. “By pouring out his holy spirit on Jesus, Jehovah was anointing him or appointing him to be the King of his coming kingdom. Being thus anointed with the spirit, Jesus became the ‘Messiah,’ or the ‘Christ,’ which words in the Hebrew and Greek languages mean, ‘Anointed.’ Therefore, he became, in fact, Jesus Christ, or Jesus the Anointed” (Live, p. 60).

The Watchtower Society says that, since Adam was also a perfect man who sinned, only a perfect sacrifice of another perfect man could bring salvation. “By his disobedience the perfect man Adam lost perfect life on a paradise earth for himself and all his children. Jesus Christ gave his own perfect life to buy back what Adam lost. Yes, Jesus ‘gave himself a corresponding ransom for all'” (Live, p. 62).

Thus, the Watchtower Society teaches that Jesus’ ransom death at age 33 balanced the scales of justice between Adam’s sin and God’s perfect requirements. “Even now Jesus’ ransom sacrifice can benefit us. How? By exercising faith in it we can enjoy a clean standing before God and come under his loving and tender care. But we can freely seek forgiveness from God on the basis of the ransom, with confidence that he will hear us” (Live, p. 63).

The Watchtower Society teaches that Jesus was crucified on a “torture stake” instead of a cross (Matt. 27:32, NWT). The Watchtower Society specifically dates Jesus’ death: “On Nisan 14 of the year 33 C.E. Jesus’ enemies put him to death on a torture stake” (Truth, p. 51).

In general, Christians agree with the Watchtower Society on details of the life of Christ. However, the notion that Jesus became the Messiah at His baptism runs counter to biblical teaching. Jesus was hailed as the Messiah at His birth and even before (see Isa. 9:6; Matt. 1:16-18; 2:4; Luke 2:11,26).

Christians agree that Jesus did die as a sacrifice for man’s sin, as He was perfect and sinless. Nonetheless, Christians maintain that linguistic and historical evidence supports the traditional view that Jesus died on a Roman cros

Jesus’ Resurrection

Jehovah’s Witnesses deny the physical resurrection of Jesus from the dead. This is another radical departure from historic Christian teaching. The Watchtower Society maintains that the Lord’s resurrection was purely spiritual and only appeared as physical.

“Jehovah God did not leave his Son dead in the grave, but raised him to life on the third day. He was not given human life again, because that would have meant that he was taking back the ransom price. But he was ‘made alive in the spirit’ (1 Pet. 3:18, NWT). During a period of forty days after his resurrection he appeared visibly to his disciples a number of times, in materialized bodies, to prove that he really had been raised from the dead” (Truth, p. 52).

Christians affirm the physical bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself prophesied His physical resurrection. “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews therefore said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?'” (John 2:19-20, NASB).

Jesus clearly indicated the physical aspect of His resurrection when He appeared to His disciples. “And He said to them, ‘Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have'” (Luke 24:38-39, NASB).

The physical nature of Jesus’ appearances is further substantiated by His serving and sharing a meal with the two disciples in Emmaus (see Luke 24:13-35), His conversation with Thomas (see John 20:26-29), His appearance to more than 500 people (see 1 Cor. 15:1-8.. ), and His visible ascension to heaven (see Acts 1:9-11).

Jesus’ Second Coming

The Watchtower Society teaches that following His ascension, Jesus, once again as Michael the archangel, returned to heaven and sat down at Jehovah’s right hand to await the end of the seven “times of the Gentiles” as recorded in Daniel 4. The “times of the Gentiles” supposedly began in 607 B.C. when the Babylonians overthrew King Zedekiah of Judah (Note: Bible scholars place the above date at 587-586 B.C.). Jesus would begin His rule at the end of this period, figured by the Watchtower Society as 2,520 years (based on the “seven times” of Dan. 4:16,23).

“What was to happen at the end of these appointed times of the nations (Gentiles)? Jehovah was to give the power to rule to the One ‘who has the legal right!’ This One is Jesus Christ” (Live, p. 140). “This means that Jesus Christ began to rule as King of God’s heavenly government in 1914” (Live, p. 141).

The above statement would surprise most non-Jehovah’s Witnesses. If Jesus returned to rule in 1914, then where is He? The Watchtower Society answers that Jesus’ rule is in heaven and that He will never appear physically on earth again. At the present time, Satan is in control of this world and its institutions—especially the Christian churches. However, in the near future, the world as we know it will be destroyed by Christ from heaven and the millennium, or 1,000-year judgment day, will begin. When will this take place? The Watchtower Society formerly claimed that it will take place in “this generation” (Matt. 24:14,34). “Which generation did Jesus mean? He meant the generation of people who were living in 1914. Those persons yet remaining of that generation are now very old. However, some of them will still be alive to see the end of this wicked system” (Live, p. 154). In recent years they have modified this view to include people born later in the 20th century.

The Watchtower Society says that during the 1,000- year judgment day, most people will be resurrected and judged by Christ and others of the “anointed class” of Jehovah’s Witnesses. “We have certainly seen that when the dead come forth from the grave, they are not judged by their past deeds. Rather, they are judged on the basis of what they do during Judgment Day (the millennium)” (Live, p. 180). At the close of judgment day, those not deemed worthy will be cast into the “lake of fire,” along with Satan and his demons, and annihilated from existence. The world being purified and those Jehovah judges as righteous will live in paradise on earth, and Jesus (Michael) will then turn His kingdom back over to Jehovah.

Perhaps no theological issue has fostered as much interest, debate, and disagreement among Christians as the “last things.” However, the assurance of Christ’s second coming commonly is held by nearly all evangelical Christians. All affirm that Jesus will return physically to earth to judge humankind and establish God’s kingdom (see Matt. 16:24-27; Mark 13; Luke 21:5-36). Christians reject the Watchtower Society’s dating of 1914 as spurious. In fact, Jesus specifically warned that no one knows the time of His coming (see Matt. 24:4-7,36; Mark 13:32; Acts 1:7). Nonetheless, believers are admonished to be alert, ready, and watching at any time for the Lord’s return (see Matt. 24:14, 25:13; 1 Thess. 5:1-11).

Christians contend that Jesus will judge all humankind. Those found righteous (saved Christians) will inherit eternal life in heaven and the lost will suffer eternal punishment (see Matt. 18:8-9, 25:41-46; Mark 9:47-48; 2 Thess. 1:9; Rev. 20-22). No second chance or probationary period will be given. As Hebrews states: “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Heb. 9:27, NASB).

Conclusion

The Watchtower Society’s concept of who Jesus Christ is and what He has done is opposed to the historic, biblical, and Christian position.

Jesus Christ is the Lord, the second Person of the Godhead, who came to earth as a Man, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and was resurrected bodily from the dead (1 Cor. 13:1-8.. ). He ascended into heaven and will return to earth to judge all people and angels and to establish the eternal kingdom of God. Christians know that by God’s grace, through faith in Christ, they are assured a place in His kingdom (1 John 5:13). Jehovah’s Witnesses also can have that assurance. They first must renounce the unbiblical teaching of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Then they must repent of their sin (Acts 3:19), place their faith in Jesus alone for salvation (Eph. 2:8-9), and surrender to Him as their Lord (Rom. 10:9-10). As Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6, NASB).

Scripture quotations marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, © The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977. Used by permission.

The JW occultic torture stake photo below

The Watchtower Society teaches that Jesus was crucified on a “torture stake” instead of a cross (Matt. 27:32, NWT). The Watchtower Society specifically dates Jesus’ death: “On Nisan 14 of the year 33 C.E. Jesus’ enemies put him to death on a torture stake” (Truth, p. 51).

Is there anyone out here in these Nairaland streets who still takes these ones seriously?

DappaD:
Is there anyone out here in these Nairaland streets who still takes these ones seriously?

yes. Myself. If you read Bible, you will know they are d only ones studying it, while d rest are false religion and they know it, that's y mentioning anything Jehovah witness scares them

DappaD:
Is there anyone out here in these Nairaland streets who still takes these ones seriously?

CHRISTIANITY IS A PURE SCAM

IJOBA11:
CHRISTIANITY IS A PURE SCAM

Give your life to Christ before it get to late

Vickyvice:
yes. Myself. If you read Bible, you will know they are d only ones studying it, while d rest are false religion and they know it, that's y mentioning anything Jehovah witness scares them

Hello? I was referring to the OP as in who takes him and his noisemaker-cohorts seriously.

I myself am proud to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses currently serving Jehovah with a whole heart & doing my utmost in the service to my God Jehovah. Psalm 110:3

DappaD:


Hello? I was referring to the OP as in who takes him and his noisemaker-cohorts seriously.

I myself am proud to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses currently serving Jehovah with a whole heart & doing my utmost in the service to my God Jehovah. Psalm 110:3

you are welcome brother.

Vickyvice:
you are welcome brother.

Brothers in JW cult or in Christ

I have started marking some evil denominations. No wonder they are the ones that are black sheep in christianity. Any church which says Jesus is Michael is a capital NO. They need to get their head checked. They are evil. You can imagine how they go into the scripture and twist it. They are notorious and wicked.

I will never sit down with any member of such denomination for anything. Now, I know such evil denominations are enveloped in wickedness. How can you say Jesus is Michael? And you manipulated the Bible to that stage. I pity idiotass who are members of those evil occultist organizations. Very evil people. And they pretend to be the holiest. No wonder when they are asked to preach, they do everything to not, but give you pamphlets or links of their wicked deceptive elders who are very good in manipulating people.

Please, this a simple test. Just first ask who Jesus is...is He God? Is He Michael? ...if they dont want to reply you, get a cane and flog them out of your homes. But the worst of them all is Jehovah Witness. I used to go against people who bash them. But I have seen they are evil.

They are making sure they destroy everything about Christ. They are evil. And there are notorious ones among them here.

I keep saying it, the 1914 conference they had is where they gathered with evil forces of this world to manipulate the likes of Dappa, Janosky, and that innocent turned something else called Maximus. I have told Max to get in touch cos he needs to be free from this occultist organisation. That Dappa is evil. And they pushed them out in 1919. Even in 2021, these useless ones still constitute themselves nuis.ance on Nairaland to deceive people.

Thank God for covid 19. I keep saying it, buy special canes for those Idiotaas...And when they show in your house, dont spare them, gather and flog them silly out of your houses. Dont let them bring any rubbish. Ask them anything out watchtower, they will be looking like mor.ons. Ask them to pray, they will always refuse. I dont know where a Christian is afraid to pray anywhere. My Bible says: pray without ceasing. But ask these manipulators to pray, they will never. Idiotass just manipulating people.

Bishopkingsley:


Brothers in JW cult or in Christ

I suggest u meet any JW closest to your place if residence. Me am at asaba. I for come study with you.

Frustration and depression are bad.

Op, tell us when you are done.

Vickyvice:
I suggest u meet any JW closest to your place if residence. Me am at asaba. I for come study with you.

Oops the ones I meet are now attending a new church where Jesus is been preached sorry they no longer attend JW cult

Acrobatics01:
Frustration and depression are bad.

Op, tell us when you are done.

Lol I really hit them hard today lol sorry ooo it what God told me to declare

Bishopkingsley:



Lol I really hit them hard today lol sorry ooo it what God told me to declare

you touch their core beliefs and they won't like you for this but the truth can not be hidden since JW show all the signs of cult and also hate Jesus the same way devil hates Christ, only God can help them.

The Watchtower Society teaches that Jesus was crucified on a “torture stake” instead of a cross (Matt. 27:32, NWT). The Watchtower Society specifically dates Jesus’ death: “On Nisan 14 of the year 33 C.E. Jesus’ enemies put him to death on a torture stake” (Truth, p. 51).

Nancy2020:
you touch their core beliefs and they won't like you for this but the truth can not be hidden since JW show all the signs of cult and also hate Jesus the same way devil hates Christ, only God can help them.

Lol, unfortunately, you both failed again woefully.
My concern is the zeal at which the op writes falsehood, and more disappointed at how some people believe him.
Well, the choice is all yours.

BTW, just let me know when you want the truth, hopefully, before it's too late

Acrobatics01:


Lol, unfortunately, you both failed again woefully.
My concern is the zeal at which the op writes falsehood, and more disappointed at how some people believe him.
Well, the choice is all yours.

BTW, just let me know when you want the truth, hopefully, before it's too late

Which truth is it the truth that you can't see in the Bible that you actually want to show people

Lol

You have to try harder to manipulate the Bible before you can win weak people into JW

Jesus is enough for those who are wise

More reveled lies from JW will be published

Vickyvice:

yes. Myself. If you read Bible, you will know they are d only ones studying it, while d rest are false religion and they know it, that's y mentioning anything Jehovah witness scares them

Their problem is the same as that of Cain. He noticed that the true God accepted Abel's worship but rejected his own so he became so furious with hatred filled with passion against Abel.

All these misinformed churchgoers know for sure that the one and only group having real teachings that's unique are JWs. That's why all of them can speak about a group having REAL teachings! Matthew 5:13-16

The last time i pasted the pictures of JWs baptising new concerts, an apostate also tried to do the same so i told him:
"Those getting baptized as JWs has been taught all that Jesus commanded {Matthew 28:19-20} so i as one who is also one of them can tell you the LAWS guiding their hearts. Please can you tell me what these ones been baptized by the churches you don't know we're taught?"

Ever since then the apostate (RussellRutherfo) went silent never to show his face again.

WHY?

Because he's only envious of JWs who have the same line of thought as Jesus always wanted {John 17:20-23} but as for those in the pictures he's trying to present as evidence of other faith he can't say anything as per what they were taught about Christ Jesus which means their gathering is for INIQUITY (LAWLESSNESS) Matthew 7:23 compare to Psalms 1:1

Look at a former Muslim that has been hating Jesus all his life even in JW he continues to hate Jesus

Acrobatics01:


Lol, unfortunately, you both failed again woefully.
My concern is the zeal at which the op writes falsehood, and more disappointed at how some people believe him.
Well, the choice is all yours.

BTW, just let me know when you want the truth, hopefully, before it's too late

State out the OP falsehood. And are you saying the evidence from the Watchtower papers he quoted too was fake too.

Nancy2020:


State out the OP falsehood. And are you saying the evidence from the Watchtower papers he quoted too was fake too.

The children of Watchtower don't even know the total lies that GB had dished out to the public

Any lie people discover from them they push it as mistake which all other disciples have equally made in the Bible

Yet when you question their futuristic doctrine they won't see it as a future lie which is bound to be fail like the others ones lol

Nancy2020:


State out the OP falsehood. And are you saying the evidence from the Watchtower papers he quoted too was fake too.

Dear Nancy

If you really want to learn about what the witnesses believe in, visit jw.org. The website is translated into over 1,000 languages and te contents will satisfy your quest to know about us. Please don't learn about us from our enemies

Kr

Acrobatics01:


Dear Nancy

If you really want to learn about what the witnesses believe in, visit jw.org. The website is translated into over 1,000 languages and te contents will satisfy your quest to know about us. Please don't learn about us from our enemies

Kr

No one on earth can show their fault so since you did not refute the OP claim on the Watchtower paper written information it actually shows the OP was indeed correct.

Nancy2020:


No one on earth can show their fault so since you did not refute the OP claim on the Watchtower paper written information it actually shows the OP was indeed correct.

I'm not to banter words with him. You may notice that I didnt start to counter all his points because, basically, where would I start from? I'm only making further comments to tell other unsuspecting innocent ones who may fall victim to his malicious claims.

Acrobatics01:


I'm not to banter words with him. You may notice that I didnt start to counter all his points because, basically, where would I start from? I'm only making further comments to tell other unsuspecting innocent ones who may fall victim to his malicious claims.

everything the OP said is in the Watchtower news magazine even some of them many JW members here still talk about them as the foundations of their beliefs. The OP just went more deep into the occultic side which the members here don't always speak about because they actually know it is pure hard to pass across to new members unless they come into the organization. If the OP is correct on his own narrative then JW is truly scary.