Does the Bible Teach the Deity of Jesus Christ?

Introduction

First, let me state that the Bible does teach the deity of Jesus Christ. Next, this study is directed mainly toward the Jehovah's Witnesses (JW's) and to those who try to witness to them. Therefore, while this study can be used for anybody, this study will include a look at some of the Watchtower Societies' literature.

What is at stake in this Bible study? If Jesus is not God, than to worship Him is a form of Idolatry. If Jesus is God, than not to worship Him is to deny the Lord that bought us.

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. - 2Peter 2:1

This study will not spend time trying to defend the doctrine of the trinity. I think it is more profitable to look at the Bible for verses that prove the deity of Jesus and then in a separate study look at verses that teach the person and deity of the Holy Spirit.

Notes:

• You can freely use all or part of this study as the Lord leads you to witness to the members of the Watchtower Society.
• Any JW is free to correct me if he feels that I have misrepresented any Watchtower Society doctrine. If I agree, I will fix my error and if I disagree, I will post what you think I have misrepresented with a link from the place you believe the error is on this page.
• In most passages, you can use either the New World Translation (NWT, The Jehovah Witnesses' Bible) or the King James Version. Where the NWT varies significantly from the Greek text:
  • [Brackets] in the New World Translation (NWT) are my corrections, in hope that the reader will compare them with the original Greek.
  • Some words in the NWT have been struck through. These words were added to the NWT by the translators. If the reader will compare the NWT to the Greek manuscript he will find these words are not even implied.
• Unless noted, all bold emphasis is mine and [all words in brackets are mine].

Let us first look at some false assumptions

The Watchtower Society prints a booklet called Should You Believe in the Trinity: Is Jesus Christ the Almighty God? (Trinity booklet) that makes many arguments against the deity of Jesus based on false assumptions. Let's remove some of these false assumptions from the start.

First assumption: A person's submission means he is inferior

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. - 1 Corinthians 11:3

One argument, used to disprove the deity of Jesus is that He was submissive to Jehovah. Because He was submissive, He is not equal to God, thus He is not God. However, is this sound reasoning or a false assumption? For instance, while the Bible teaches that the wife should submit to her husband, does this mean, that in God's eye, she is of inferior value?

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. - Ephesians 5:22

Once when speaking to the multitudes, Jesus commanded his disciples to submit to the elders of Israel, and in the very same breath he condemned these very same elders,

Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. - Matthew 23:2-3

Jesus taught His disciples to submit to His adversaries. Does this mean He thought his disciples were inferior to them? One time king David bowed himself to Solomon; did this act of obeisance make Solomon greater than King David?

And moreover the king's servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, God make the name of Solomon better than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy throne. And the king bowed himself upon the bed. - 1 Kings 1:47

According to the Bible, the person in the submissive position is only inferior in this worldly system of things; in the Kingdom of God, he is the greatest of all.

And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. - Luke 22:25-27

Jesus was indeed submissive to the Father; however, it is a false assumption contrary to the Bible's teaching to believe that the submissive person is inferior.

Second assumption: Being called the Son of God implies a later beginning.

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. - Matthew 16:16

The JW's own literature poses the question, "But how can a person be a son and at the same time be as old as his father?" (Trinity, Page 15) If this is a sincere question, it is a good one and for the answer let us look to the Scriptures. The Bible teaches another paradox; Jesus called himself the Son of man.

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? - Matthew 16:13

Yet at the same time the Bible teaches that the world was created by Him.

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. - John 1:10-11

AND

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him. - Colossians 1:15-16

AND

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds, - Hebrews 1:2

Using their booklet's logic; how can a son be older than his father? The only problem is that the JW's do not understand the definition Son of Man or the definition Son of God. Jesus can be called the Son of God without being younger than the Father.

Third assumption: The title Firstborn means Jesus was a created being.

And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head. - Genesis 48:18

The Bible teaches that there is a difference, between being firstborn and born first. To be born first means you were born first, to be the firstborn means you have the birthright, a preeminent position among your brothers.

And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. - Genesis 25:31

In Genesis 25:34 Esau sold this birthright to Jacob for a bowl of soup. Birthrights can be bought, sold or transferred, yet Esau was still (and will always be) born before Jacob, this will never change.

And [Jesus] is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. - Colossians 1:18

Jesus was not the first person to be raised from the dead nor was he the first person to raise someone from the dead. Even so, He is preeminent in the resurrection.

In Genesis 48:18 Joseph wanted his father to put his right hand on the head of his eldest son Manasseh, because as the eldest he had the right of the firstborn. His father declined and set Ephraim before Manasseh (vs. 20). Later the prophet Jeremiah says,

I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. - Jeremiah 31:9b

Though Ephraim was not one of Jacob's twelve sons, nor was he Joseph's eldest son, God has given him a preeminent position. In the same way, Jesus having the right of the Firstborn teaches us that He is preeminent, not that he is created. Read Colossians 1:18 again, it says, That in all things he might have the preeminence not because he was the first thing created.

Forth assumption: If Jesus were deity, He Himself would have clearly said so.

In a moment, we will see that He did clearly teach this; however, for the sake of argument, let us say that He did not make His deity clear. Does this evidence that He is not God? Again, before we answer this let us look at the scriptures. In Matthew 16:15 Jesus asked His disciples a question?

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? - Matthew 16:15

And satisfied with Peter's answer verse 20 says,

Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
- Matthew 16:20

Does asking His disciples to keep the truth, that He was the Christ, a secret prove that Jesus was not the Christ? Later in the Gospel of John Jesus is speaking:

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. - John 8:24

Who does Jesus expect us to believe He is? If you do not believe in the deity of Jesus, you will not worship Him. How do you honor the Father?

That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent him. - John 5:23

Conclusion

These four assumptions seem to be based on rational thought, yet they error in ignoring the scriptures that speak to the subject. It is an assumption to believe that the booklet studies put out by the Watchtower Society are equal to Bible studies. The booklets teach the foregone conclusions of their governing body; real Bible studies teach the whole counsel of God.

The Trinity

This study is not going to prove the doctrine of the trinity. However, the JW's literature on the deity of Jesus brings up two points that we should address.

First point: Other "Trinities" nullify the Trinitarians claim to truth.

After making the above assumptions, the Trinity booklet then goes on to show how some pagan religions that have trinities in them. Then it suggests the possibility that Christendom plagiarized their doctrine of the trinity from these pagans.

Of course, we could reverse the argument by showing that many religions counterfeit other biblical truths, for example the virgin birth. Or the belief found in all cultures (thus in pagan religions) is a great flood. Does the fact that pagan religions, all over the world, have accounts similar to Noah's flood prove Christendom plagiarized their belief in Noah from these pagans?

Rather, any investagation will show that great teachers from all other religions have quoted from the Bible while Christianity does not use any of their holy books. Thus, the fact that some pagan religions have trinities could be evidence that it is a legitimate doctrine.

Finally consider that the Hindus have 330 million Gods, many walk alone, many work in pairs, maybe some are trinities. In many theistic religions, the Gods have family relationships. Does this disannul the Father Son relationship we see in the New Testament?

Finally, if the existence of a trinity in other religions nullifies this doctrine, why do not the Jews and Muslim's claim to one God, nullify the JW's claim?

Second point: History shows that believing in a "Trinity" causes evil.

The Trinity booklet then goes on to show examples of evil done by the Roman Catholic Church. However, it never made a tie between a belief in the Trinity and misbehavior of the Roman Catholic Church. This is important; I could show endless examples of evil done by religions that do not believe in a trinity and then make the foolish statement that not believing in a trinity doctrine caused the evil. Some facts not mentioned in the booklet:

• The Muslim terrorists who destroyed the World Trade Center on 9/11 did not believe in a trinity.
• I know many who when they came to believe in deity of the Christ, stopped doing evil.
• William Tyndale and many other martyrs for the Christian faith believed in the trinity.
• The list would be endless of men who believed in the trinity and built hospitals, fed and clothed the poor, cared for orphans and many other acts of charity.
• The examples of evil used by the trinity booklet were caused by Constantine marrying the Church to the State. Wicked men joined the church to gain Constantine's favor and thus political power, just as Paul predicted in Acts 20:29.

There are many examples in the JW's literature where they fail to make any distinction between a state controled church and Bible believing Christians. Is this willful deception? Or, just the ignorance of the govenring body?

Conclusion

The booklet uses many examples trying to make those who believe in a trinity look silly; most are straw man arguments. We will look at what the Bible means when it teaches One God in a moment. The important point of this chapter is that you must do your reasoning yourself and even then, make sure it lines up with scripture. If you cannot be bothered, you will be led down a predetermined path, by someone who has no regard for the truth.

They received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:10b-12

No man has seen the Father

Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
- John 6:46

Jesus said that no man has seen the Father, yet the Bible gives us many examples of people seeing Jehovah; let us look at a few of them.

Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.
- Exodus 24:9-11

AND

Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD [Jehovah] of hosts. - Isaiah 6:5

AND

And the LORD [Jehovah] appeared unto him [Abraham] in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; - Genesis 18:1

There are many other verses where men saw Jehovah, yet no man has seen the Father. Someday you will stand before Jehovah; suppose that he asks you, who did Abraham, Isaiah and the elders of Israel see. How will you answer Him?

God is one

Hear, O Israel: The LORD [Jehovah] our God is one LORD [Jehovah]: - Deuteronomy 6:4

This verse is the probably the one used most often to refute the deity of Jesus Christ. Here are some others like it.

Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no savior.
- Isaiah 43:10-11

AND

That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.
- Isaiah 45:6-8

Let us look at the definition of the word one in Deuteronomy 6:4 before we try to understand these verses.

The Strong's definition of one: ekh-awd'

A numeral from aw-khad'; properly united, that is, one; or (as an ordinal) first.
aw-khad' is defined: Perhaps a primitive root; to unify, that is, (figuratively) collect (one’s thoughts).

Other passages where this word 'one' is used include (the bold word):

The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD. - Isaiah 65:25

AND

The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore, - Ezra 2:64

Now let us look at the definition of the word 'God' in Deuteronomy 6:4

The Strong's definition of God: el-o-heem'

Plural of God; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:

If these definitions are true, we can translate Deuteronomy 6:4 as, ''Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our Gods is a united Jehovah". To a JW this may sound like blasphemy, yet is not this what Jesus said?

I and my Father are one. - John 10:30

AND

Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? - John 14:9

AND

Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. - John 14:11

There are also many passages in the Old Testament that teach this relationship; for instance,

And God [plural] said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. - Genesis 1:26a

If you are a JW you were taught that el-o-heem' is not really in the plural rather it is a royal we or deference to God's majesty; however, you cannot do that with the words that Jesus said, ''I and my Father are one''. Another truth hidden from the JW's is that since the Father made all things through the Messiah, it is reasonable that these are the us speaking in Genesis 1:26. In addition, since the Messiah is the Word of God, it is reasonable that he was the one speaking these words.

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. - Genesis 1:26a

Messiah's Beginning

Beginning of creation

Did the Messiah have a beginning? Using the following verse, the JW's teach that He did.

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God. - Revelation 3:14

Understanding the definition of the word beginning is important. If we wish to understand what John meant, the words must have the same meaning to us as they had to him. When trying to help us understand this, the JW's Trinity booklet is misleading by claiming John used variations of the word beginning twenty times, when in fact he used the word eight times. The word beginning comes from the Greek word ἀρχή, it is the bold word in the following verses.

And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: - Luke 12:11

AND

And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. - Luke 20:20

AND

Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. - 1 Corinthians 15:24

AND

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: - Ephesians 1:21

AND

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 
- Colossians 2:10

So rather than teaching Jesus is a created being, Revelation 3:4 is glorifying the creator God saying He is the rule, power and principality of God's creation, and this lines up with the rest of Scripture. While the word ἀρχή , used 59 times in the New Testament, can also be translated beginning (usually refering to a point in time), it is never used to teach that something was created.

The Firstborn

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him. - Colossians 1:15-16

 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; 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. - Colossians 1:15-16 NWT

At the beginning of this study, we showed that it was an assumption that the right of the firstborn always went to the one who was born first. The point is that being the firstborn of every creature is a preeminent position. Read the above passage carefully, Paul taught the Colossians that Jesus was the firstborn of every creature because He created all things, not because He was the first creature that Jehovah created.

The words 'other' are added to the New World Translation, thus changing the meaning of Paul's words entirely. Paul taught all things were created by Him, the NWT implies all things were not created by Him. While the NWT sometimes puts these words in brackets, some editions do not. Do you believe the Bible as it was passed down to the Jehovah Withesses? Or do you believe the Bible as they amended it?

From everlasting

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6

Strong's defines everlasting: ad

From aw-daw'; properly a (peremptory) terminus, that is, (by implication) duration, in the sense of perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or without a preposition).

Think of it like infinitely long railroad tracks coming together on the horizon. You can walk toward that point on the horizon but you can never reach it.

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. - Micah 5:2

Or if you prefer the NWT

And you, O Beth´le·hem Eph´ra·thah, the one too little to get to be among the thousands of Judah, from you there will come out to me the one who is to become ruler in Israel, whose origin is from early times, from the days of time indefinite. - Micah 5:2

Micah is talking about the future Messiah saying His going forth is from everlasting. While the NWT translates the word mo-tsaw-aw' as origin, instead of goings forth, the word does not mean origin. In Ezekiel 14:22, the only other place it is used in the Bible, it means going forth.

The writer of Hebrews believed that Jesus was from eternity. Read carefully what he says concerning Melchisedec King of Salem.

Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. - Hebrews 7:3

Before Abraham

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. - John 8:58

Before commenting, let us also look at the New World Translation.

Before Abraham came into existence, I have been. - John 8:58 NWT

Finally, let us look at the Greek text.

πρὶν ᾿Αβραὰμ γενέσθαι ἐγὼ (First Person) εἰμί.(Present Tense)

Reading the New World Translation we would be mislead into believing that Jesus only said that he had been, rather than His much stronger words - I am - implying eternity. Whether you believe Jesus implied eternity, is not as important as the New World Translation misquoting Jesus to be sure that you do not.

No lie is of the truth. - 1 John 2:21b

AND

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. - Proverbs 30:5-6

Jesus is the Creator

Though we have touched on this already, Jesus is the Creator.

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
- John 1:3

AND

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
- John 1:10

AND

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: - Colossian 1:16

AND word

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. - Hebrews 1:2

Conclusion

Jesus is the Creator God.

The Deity of the Messiah

[Quoting Psalms 45:6] But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom. - Hebrews 1:8

The JW's will at least admit that Jesus Christ is a god, if they will not admit He is Jehovah God. Since we have now established that he created all things we can safely call him the Creator God. The JW's in calling Jesus a god (one of many) lump him in with other created beings even devils that are called god. This dishonors Jesus.

Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honor my Father, and ye do dishonor me.
- John 8:49

So what are the verses that teach the deity of Jesus Christ?

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [translated means, God with us]. - Isaiah 7:14

AND

I am the LORD [Jehovah]: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. - Isaiah 42:8

This last verse is important. Remember Jesus said,

I and my Father are one. - John 10:30

It is worth reading John 10:30-38 to get the fullness of what Jesus is saying. The following may be the verse that the JW's are most often confronted with.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6

When presented with this verse the JW's are quick to point out that it says mighty God not almighty God and for them this makes a difference. Quoting from the Trinity booklet:

''So John 1:1 highlights the quality of the Word, that he was 'divine,' 'godlike,' 'a god,' but not Almighty God.'' (Trinity booklet Pg 27)

Sometimes I think their governing body is like the lawyers that Jesus rebuked. They were not entering His kingdom and they hindered those who would. Even so, we should ask them questions. Is Jehovah ever called the mighty God? And is any other god ever called the mighty God?

Yes to the first question, Jehovah is called the might God six other times.

Thou showest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God [El gibbor], the LORD [Jehovah] of hosts, is his name, - Jeremiah 32:18 (See also Psalms 50:1, 132:2 & 5, Isaiah 10:21, & Genesis 49:24)

And no to the second question, no other god saving the Messiah, is called The Mighty God in Scripture.

Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD [Jehovah] my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD [Jehovah], thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God [El gibbor], thou hast established them for correction. - Habakkuk 1:12

Both Jehovah and the Messiah are the Mighty Gods [el-o-heem' gibbor] of Israel. There are also verses in the New Testament that teach the deity of Jesus. Let us look at a verse from Paul's letter to the congregation at Philippi.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. - Philippians 2:5-8

Let us put the New World Translation (NWT) next to it for comparison.

Keep this mental attitude in YOU that was also in Christ Jesus, who, although he was existing in God’s form, gave no [The wrong place] consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God. No, but he emptied himself and took a slave’s form and came to be in the likeness of men. More than that, when he found himself in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient as far as death, yes, death on a torture stake.
- Philippians 2:5-8 NWT

All the words that are crossed out are words that were added by the Watchtower Society though they are not in the Greek manuscripts, but even more important is the fact that the misplaced the word 'no' thus changing the meaning of this passage of scripture. There are many verses warning us not to add to God's word.

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
- Deuteronomy 4:2

AND

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: - Revelation 22:18

If you study exclusively from the New World Translation, you will often find these alterations where the Watchtower Society's doctrine varies from what is taught in the Bible before they edited it.

So is Jesus 'a' god like the Trinity Booklet says? Of course, any JW who is prepared to do battle is ready to be hit with John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
- John 1:1

OR

In [the] beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. - John 1:1 NWT

Was the Word God, or was the Word just a god? Actually, the Greek reads like this:

Εν   ἀρχῇ ἦν   ὁ Λόγος, καὶ  ὁ   Λόγος   ἦν  πρὸς τὸν Θεόν,   καὶ Θεὸς ἦν ὁ Λόγος,
In beginning was the Word,  and the word was with the God, and God was the  word,

If the first mention of God refers to THE God, why do the JWs assume the second reference is just A god? Why would John changes gods in mid sentance by saying another god was the word?

Conclusion

In making these little changes here (and in other places) the JW's miss the fact that John was glorifying Jesus Christ. Where the apostles exalt Jesus, with a slight twist the JW's governing body humbles him. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the Mighty God, the creator of all things.

Worship God Only

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. - Luke 4:8

This is the bottom line; do we worship Jesus? The Bible teaches that is a sin to worship the creation.

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. - Exodus 20:3

AND

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. - Romans 1:25

Peter refused to be worshiped and John was rebuked when he worshiped at the feet of an angel.

And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. - Acts 10:25-26

AND

And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. - Revelation 22:8-9

The word for worship is προσκυνέω and it is used 60 times in the New Testament. Here is a quick list. These verses are listed in the order that they appear in the Bible.

These passages share about those who worship God

• Parable of a servant - Matt 18:26
• Woman at the well - John 4:20
• Some Greeks come to feast - John 12:20
• Ethiopian Eunuch - Acts 8-27
• Paul in Temple - Acts 24:11
• Unlearned in fellowship - 1 Cor 14:25
• Jacob on deathbed - Hebrews 11:21
• Revelation 4:9, 5:14, 7:11, 11:1, 11:16, 15:4, 19:4, 20:4

These passages share about worship that is forbidden by God.

• Satan desires worship in Matt 4:8-10 and Luke 4:7-8
• Moloch, and the star of  Remphan - Acts 7:43
• We already mentioned Cornelius and Peter - Acts 10:25-26
• Worship of Paul and Barnabas (though the word is not mentioned) - Acts 14:11
• Works of their own hands - Rev 9:20
• Antichrist - Rev 13 14:9, 14:11, 16:2, 19:20,
• John's faux pas - Rev 19:10, 22:8-9

The saints worship [προσκυνέω] Jesus

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. ... And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
- Matthew 2:2 & 2:11

AND

While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshiped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. - Matthew 9:18

AND

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshiped him: but some doubted.
- Matthew 28:16-17

Matthew mentions two types of people, those who worship Jesus and those who doubt, which group are you in?

And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshiped him. - Mark 15:19

Mark contrasts the wicked and the just; notice how it is the wicked who mock the worshiping of Jesus.

And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
- Luke 24:51-52

AND

Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshiped him. - John 9:35-38

Jesus himself taught us, ''Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve''.

And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. - Hebrews 1:6

AND

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. - Revelation 14:7

Jesus is the Mighty God who made the heavens, the earth, the seas and the fountains of waters. All the angels of God worship him. It was Jesus' enemies who mocked the worshiping of Him. Which group are you in? There are a few other passages in the Bible where the saints worship Jesus (Matthew 14:33, 20:20, 28:9 and Mark 5:5-7), but our survey is enough to see two things.

• The Bible condemns the worship of every other God but Jehovah.
• The Bible shows many examples where the saints worship Jesus without ever once being rebuked.

Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. - John 20:27-29

Though the word worship is not mentioned in the above passage that is what Thomas is doing. If you believe the Bible, do not let anyone explain away this clear teaching. Thomas called Jesus his Lord and his God and Jesus answered him saying, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed.

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. - John 8:24

This is the question, for if we do not get this one right we die in our sins. Who is Jesus? To answer it read the following Scripture verse very carefully and prayerfully.

For this very reason also God exalted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every [other] name, so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground, and every tongue should openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
- Philippians 2:9-11 NWT

Every Jehovah Witness knows what name is above every other name. If you read this carefully, you know to whom this name was given.

Him [God] only shalt thou serve. - Luke 4:8b

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. - Luke 4:8

Jesus commanded not only to worship God only, but to serve God only. So why do the apostles and elders call themselves the servants of Jesus Christ?

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
- Romans 1:1

AND

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. - James 1:1

AND

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ:
- 2 Peter 1:1

AND

Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called. - Jude 1:1

How can the disciples call themselves the Servants of Jesus Christ and yet serve God Only?

Opening the Eyes of the Blind

And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. - Isaiah 6:9-10

If a person is unwilling to see what is plainly in the scriptures, they will not see. Once you open your eyes, the whole Bible teaches the deity of Jesus. However, they do not say the words Jehovah or Almighty God to do it. For example, Since we only pray to God, passages like these in John or Acts imply the deity of Jesus.

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. - John 14:13-14

AND

And they stoned Stephen, calling upon [God], and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
- Acts 7:59

There are countless verses that identify Jesus with God.

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.  - Acts 20:28

Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed YOU overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son. NWT

The JW's governing body adds the word Son to the NWT, thus the words of Isaiah are fulfilled, ''See ye indeed, but perceive not''.

In order to understand the deep things of God, we must search with whole heart, not just read a few topical studies. We must be willing to believe the truth, even though it will be at great cost. Jehovah spoke through Isaiah:

I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.  - Isaiah 42:8

Why cannot JW's see that this is absolutely true of Jesus when we read.

And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.  - John 17:5

This study has shown many passages teaching the deity of Jesus. Yet because God has closed their eyes, they cannot comprehend when Isaiah says,

I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no savior.  - Isaiah 43:11

AND

Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside me. - Isaiah 45:21

There are many passages in the Old Testament that teach of Jehovah, that in the New Testament, are taught of Jesus. For instance, in the Old Testament Isaiah says of Jehovah:

The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.  - Isaiah 19:1 

AND

For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.  - Isaiah 66:15 

The New Testament says of Jesus:

And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.  - Mark 14:62

AND

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 
- Luke 21:27

AND

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 
- Revelation 1:7

Isaiah is continuously extolling Jehovah:

Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.  - Isaiah 45:24 

When talking about righteousness in Jesus Christ the New Testament says:

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  - Philippians 3:9

When talking about our strength in Jesus Christ the New Testament says:

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  - Philippians 4:13

When talking about those who oppose Jesus Christ, the New Testament says:

For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.
-Luke 9:26 

The Old Testament says:

I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.  - Isaiah 43:15

The New Testament says Jesus is the Holy One:

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.  - Luke 1:35

The New Testament says Jesus is the creator:

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  - John 1:10-11

The New Testament says Jesus is King:

These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. 
- Revelation 17:14

It is hard to know when to stop, as these parallels are almost endless; it is just as Jesus said:

Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. - John 5:39-40

 

Conclusion

• Every knee will bend, that is we will worship Jesus. - Philippians 2:9-11
• We will all serve Jesus.
• Jesus Christ is Lord.
• Jesus is God. - John 1:1
• Jesus is the mighty God. - Isaiah 9:6
• Jesus is the creator God. - John 1:10
• Jesus Christ is from everlasting. - Hebrews 7:3
• To acknowledge this glorifies God the Father. - John 5:3
• Jesus has been given the Name above every other name! - Philippians 2:9-11

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. - John 8:24

Do not let the Watchtower Society keep you in bondage.

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. - Matthew 10:37

If you wish to discuss this further, contact me.

Conclusion:

Jesus is the Mighty God who made the heavens, the earth, the seas and the fountains of waters. All Jesus disciples worshiped him. It was Jesus' enemies who mocked the worshiping of Him. Which group are you in?

Written by Jeff Barnes 

Witnissing to Jehovah's witnesseses

Many Christians will not allow the Jehovah Witnesses into their homes, quoting from 2nd John:

If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him Godspeed: For he that biddeth him Godspeed is partaker of his evil deeds.
- 2 John 1:10-11

Preaching the gospel to a JW is not partaking of his evil deeds. However If you let a member of any cult stay in your house as he proselytizes your neighborhood then you are partaking in his deeds. However, sharing the Gospel is not forbidden.

And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, - Acts 28:30

AND

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. - 2 Timothy 2:25

Whether you allow them into your house or not, always be kind to them. Behavior that they can interpret as persecution reinforces their belief that they are in God's true organization (See Matthew 5:10). If you are not well versed in the Bible, do as they do, pair up with a brother who is. Do not be afraid to share any verse, even those that curse those who tamper with the scripture, just do it gently (or pose it as a question) if you want them to hear you.

God be with you.

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever. - Daniel 12:3