The Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus Christ returned invisibly in 1914 and began ruling from heaven. This date of 1914 is central to their teachings and interpretations of biblical prophecy. Here is an overview of the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ main beliefs about 1914:
A Reign That Began Invisibly in 1914
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Jesus began ruling as King of God’s kingdom in 1914, but he did so invisibly, in a spiritual sense. They base this on their interpretation of biblical books like Daniel and Revelation, which contain prophetic visions and calculations of specific time periods culminating in the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth (Daniel 4:17; Revelation 11:15). Though Christ’s return was invisible, they believe he has been ruling from heaven since 1914 and will soon exert full authority over the earth.
Jehovah’s Witnesses point to world events like World War I and subsequent wars, famines, earthquakes, and diseases as tangible evidence that Jesus began ruling and exerting control in 1914, even though most people cannot physically see Christ’s reign yet (Matthew 24:3-14). They believe the worsening state of the world indicates Jesus is starting to assert authority, cleansing the earth for God’s kingdom rule.
The Last Days Began in 1914
Jehovah’s Witnesses equate 1914 with the beginning of the “last days” or “end times” mentioned in the Bible. They believe Jesus’ invisible enthronement as King in 1914 marked the beginning of the final period leading up to Armageddon, the climactic battle between God and the forces of evil (Revelation 16:14, 16). So from 1914 onward, mankind has been living in the last days of this present wicked world.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe biblical signs indicating that the last days have begun are clearly visible since 1914. These include wars, food shortages, diseases, earthquakes, lawlessness, and love growing cold (Matthew 24:3-14; 2 Timothy 3:1-5). Though most people are unaware, they believe Jesus is now ruling in heaven and will soon destroy all earthly governments and establish God’s kingdom rule over the earth (Daniel 2:44).
The Resurrection of Annointed Christians Began in 1914
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe the first resurrection, mentioned at Revelation 20:6, applies to the small number of “anointed” Christians who go to heaven to rule with Christ. They believe this first resurrection began in 1914 when these anointed Christians were raised to heavenly life to be united with Christ in heaven. Christ’s invisible heavenly reign beginning in 1914 makes way for his joint rule with resurrected anointed ones.
Though they believe the first resurrection of anointed Christians into heaven has continued since 1914, the vast majority of Jehovah’s Witnesses expect to be resurrected to life on earth rather than in heaven, according to Watchtower theology (John 5:28-29). They believe this earthly resurrection of “other sheep” will occur after Armageddon.
1914 Marked the End of the Gentile Times
The year 1914 is significant to Jehovah’s Witnesses because they believe it marked the end of the “Gentile times” or “appointed times of the nations.” This was a period they believe God allowed for earthly governments and human rulership, starting when Jerusalem was destroyed by Babylon in 607 BCE (Jeremiah 25:11-12).
They calculate the Gentile times as a period of 2,520 years, arriving at 1914 as the year it ended and God took back authority by appointing Christ as King. So 1914 marked a major turning point for Jehovah reasserting his sovereignty on the earth, with Jesus leading the charge from heaven.
Armageddon is Tied to 1914
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe the invisible enthronement of Christ in 1914 will soon lead up to the battle of Armageddon, where Christ will destroy all earthly governments and those who oppose Jehovah God. Though they admit they cannot know the precise timing, their literature often mentions the hope that Armageddon will come within the lifetime of members who witnessed 1914.
So in the thinking of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1914 marked a crucial transition point leading up to Armageddon, with Christ beginning to rule amidst the last days. His invisible heavenly reign that started in 1914 is a precursor to him destroying the wicked at Armageddon and then ushering in God’s kingdom on earth.
1914 Identifies Jesus’ Faithful Followers
To Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1914 provides evidence that they are Jesus’ true followers on earth. This is because they tie the formation of the Watch Tower Society in the late 1800s and early 1900s to biblical prophecy about a “faithful slave” class Christ would appoint to feed his followers in the last days (Matthew 24:45-47).
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Jesus selected the early Bible Students under Charles Taze Russell (later named Jehovah’s Witnesses) as his faithful slave class in 1919, shortly after the crucial 1914 date. The Watchtower Society’s presence precisely when biblical prophecy was fulfilled identifies them as Christ’s representatives on earth, in their view.
A Central Doctrine
As is evident, the date 1914 is pivotal to Jehovah’s Witness theology and their sense of identity. They point to it as proof that major biblical prophecies are being fulfilled during the lifetime of their organization. Though Christ’s return was invisible, they believe the world events and spiritual realities triggered by 1914 provide compelling evidence that he is now ruling from heaven and will soon usher in God’s kingdom on earth.