Basic beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses
JEHOVAH’S Witnesses are members of a worldwide Christian religion who actively share with others information about God, whose name is Jehovah, and about his son, Jesus Christ. They view first century Christianity as their model. They believe that in addition to drawing one closer to God, living by the Bible principles gives purpose to life and promotes strong family ties and develops productive and honest citizens.
It is God’s infallible, inspired word, upon which Jehovah’s Witnesses base all their beliefs. Some portions of the Bible are to be understood figuratively or symbolically (2 Timothy 3: 16,17) (Revelation 1: 1) God’s word gives unsurpassed practical advice on marriage, (Matthew 5, 3, 7, 12). Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the Bible is the only source of divine guidance (Psalm 119; 105, John 17; 17).
Jehovah is the name of the only true God, the Creator of all things. As such He is worthy of our worship and devotion. His outstanding qualities are love, justice, wisdom and power (Psalm 83; 18, 1 John 4; 8, Revelation 4: 11; 15).
Jesus is the Son of God. He came to earth from Heaven and gave his perfect human life as a ransom sacrifice. His death and resurrection made salvation and eternal life possible for those exercising faith in him. He is now ruling as king of God’s heavenly Kingdom, which will soon bring peace to the entire earth. Jesus never claimed equality with God and thus is not part of a trinity (John 3; 16; 14: 28, Revelation 11: 15).
It is God’s active force, which He uses to accomplish His will and direct His servants. The most powerful force is existence, Holy Spirit was used by Jehovah God in His creation of all animate and inanimate things. (Psalm 33; 6). Jehovah used His holy spirit to influence the minds of human writers, transmitting His message to them (2 Timothy 3; 16, 17; 2 Peter 1; 20, 21). Christians seek and follow the guidance of the spirit in their personal lives and ministry, producing evidence of this in their dealings with others. (John 16; 13 Galatians 5: 22, 23).
Jehovah’s Witnesses are found at all levels of society, they do not physically separate themselves from those who do not share their beliefs. They live, work and go to school with people of different religious beliefs. At the same time, Jehovah’s Witnesses follow Jesus’ example of being “no part of the world” by avoiding the unChristian prejudices and controversies that divide mankind today (John 17; 15, 16).
Jehovah’s Witnesses are deeply concerned about the welfare of young people. Jehovah God values the worship rendered to Him by young people and wants them to be happy (Psalm 110; 3, Ecclesiastes 11;9, 10). Jesus also showed genuine interest in young ones (Matthew 19; 14). Jehovah’s Witnesses view faithful youths as examples worthy of imitation (1 Timothy 4; 12).
For more information, visit our website, www. jw.org or email chikwirac@gmail.com/phone number +263772844845