Refuting Jehovah's Witnesses

Refuting Jehovah's Witness Doctrine: A Reformed Christian Perspective

The beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses differ significantly from traditional Christian doctrines, especially those upheld by Reformed theology. As Reformed Christians, our beliefs are grounded in Scripture as the infallible and authoritative Word of God, and we adhere to the historic confessions such as the Westminster Confession of Faith. This blog will examine some of the major doctrinal differences between Jehovah's Witnesses and Reformed Christians and refute them based on biblical truths.

1. The Nature of God

Jehovah’s Witnesses: One of the most fundamental differences between Jehovah’s Witnesses and Reformed Christianity is their belief in God’s nature. Jehovah’s Witnesses reject the doctrine of the Trinity, claiming that God is a single person—Jehovah—and that Jesus is not God but merely a created being. The Holy Spirit, according to their teaching, is not a person but God's active force.

Reformed Perspective: The doctrine of the Trinity is central to historic Christianity. Scripture clearly teaches that God exists as one being in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Shema (Deut. 6:4) emphasizes the oneness of God, but passages such as Matthew 28:19 and 2 Corinthians 13:14 affirm the threefold nature of God. The Bible presents the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as distinct persons, but fully and equally divine, existing eternally in perfect unity.

Biblical Refutation: In John 1:1, Jesus (referred to as the Word) is explicitly identified as God: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." The deity of the Holy Spirit is also evident in Acts 5:3-4, where lying to the Holy Spirit is equated with lying to God. The Jehovah's Witness denial of the Trinity contradicts the full witness of Scripture.

2. The Person of Christ

Jehovah’s Witnesses: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus is not co-equal with God but rather the first and greatest of God’s creations. They claim that Jesus is the archangel Michael and was only “a god” (small 'g') before his earthly ministry.

Reformed Perspective: Reformed theology, in agreement with historic Christianity, teaches that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man (John 1:14, Colossians 2:9). He is not a created being but the eternal Son of God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ divine nature is integral to his work of redemption—only a divine Savior can fully atone for the sins of humanity.

Biblical Refutation: Colossians 1:16 states that by Jesus, "all things were created," making it impossible for him to be a created being. Hebrews 1:3 declares that Jesus is "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature," underscoring his full divinity. Philippians 2:6-7 states that, though Christ was "in the form of God," he humbled himself in taking on human form, affirming his pre-existent divinity.

3. Salvation

Jehovah’s Witnesses: Salvation, according to Jehovah's Witnesses, is a process that involves both faith in Jesus and adherence to specific works, such as door-to-door witnessing and participation in their organization. They do not believe in the assurance of salvation but hold that only 144,000 faithful believers will go to heaven, while others may enjoy eternal life on a paradise earth.

Reformed Perspective: Reformed theology emphasizes that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is not based on human works but on the finished work of Christ on the cross. The Bible assures believers of the security of their salvation (John 10:28-29, Romans 8:38-39). Additionally, all believers are part of the body of Christ and will inherit eternal life, not just a select group.

Biblical Refutation: Romans 5:1 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This justification is not something we earn through works but a gift of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:13-14 assures believers that the Holy Spirit is the seal of their inheritance, guaranteeing eternal life, not only for a select few but for all who are in Christ. The Jehovah's Witness view of salvation is a distortion of the gospel of grace.

4. The Authority of Scripture

Jehovah’s Witnesses: Jehovah’s Witnesses rely heavily on their translation of the Bible, the New World Translation (NWT), which many scholars argue is biased and manipulates key texts to fit their theology. Additionally, the interpretations provided by their governing body, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, are considered authoritative.

Reformed Perspective: Reformed Christianity holds that Scripture alone (sola Scriptura) is the ultimate authority for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We reject any interpretation or tradition that distorts or adds to the Word of God. The Bible must be interpreted faithfully, using sound hermeneutical principles, and not reinterpreted to fit the agenda of any human institution.

Biblical Refutation: Galatians 1:8 warns against any attempt to distort the gospel: "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed." The authority of Scripture is paramount, and the Jehovah’s Witness reliance on the Watchtower’s interpretations undermines this principle. Jesus himself affirms the trustworthiness of the Scriptures (John 10:35) and warns against adding to or taking away from God's Word (Revelation 22:18-19).

5. Eschatology (End Times)

Jehovah’s Witnesses: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus returned invisibly in 1914 and has been reigning since then. They also believe that the current world system will soon be destroyed at Armageddon, after which Jehovah will establish a paradise on earth for the faithful.

Reformed Perspective: Reformed eschatology rejects any claim of a secret or invisible return of Christ. Scripture teaches that Christ’s second coming will be visible, glorious, and final (Matthew 24:30, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). There is no biblical basis for the idea that Christ returned invisibly in 1914. Reformed theology emphasizes that all believers will experience the new heavens and new earth, not just a select few.

Biblical Refutation: Matthew 24:27 clearly teaches that the return of Christ will be visible: "For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." The idea of a hidden return contradicts the clear testimony of Scripture. Additionally, Revelation 21:1 speaks of a new heaven and new earth that will be the inheritance of all God’s people, not just an earthly paradise for some.

Conclusion

From a Reformed Christian perspective, the doctrines of Jehovah’s Witnesses deviate significantly from the clear teachings of Scripture. They undermine the biblical understanding of the Trinity, the full deity of Christ, the doctrine of salvation by grace alone, and the authority of Scripture. Reformed Christians must stand firm on the truths of God’s Word and lovingly yet boldly refute the errors of the Jehovah’s Witness belief system, pointing them back to the true gospel that alone offers hope and salvation through Jesus Christ.