Jehovah’s Witnesses are sincere in their faith but hold to doctrines that differ from orthodox Christianity. When witnessing to Jehovah’s Witnesses, it’s important to remember that they are people who deserve respect even when disagreeing with their beliefs. The key to reaching them is focusing on the truths of Scripture and the centrality of Jesus Christ.
Understanding Jehovah’s Witness Beliefs
Jehovah’s Witnesses refer to themselves as “Jehovah’s organization” and believe they alone represent true Christianity. Central to their beliefs are:
- God’s name is Jehovah
- Jesus is the Son of God but not divine
- The Holy Spirit is God’s active force, not a person
- Heaven is only for 144,000 select Jehovah’s Witnesses
- Hell does not exist – the dead simply cease to exist
- Only Jehovah’s Witnesses obey God
- Jesus second coming happened invisibly in 1914
- Blood transfusions are prohibited
- Salvation requires obeying Watchtower doctrines
These unbiblical teachings originate from the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. They claim only they can interpret Scripture. This prevents Witnesses from objectively evaluating Watchtower doctrine against the Bible.
Affirming Shared Biblical Truths
When witnessing, it’s good to start by affirming biblical truths Jehovah’s Witnesses believe:
- God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1)
- Jesus was sinless (Hebrews 4:15)
- Salvation is through faith in Christ (Romans 10:9)
- We must love one another (1 John 4:7-8)
- The dead will be resurrected (John 5:28-29)
- God will abolish wickedness (Revelation 21:3-4)
- God deserves our worship (Revelation 4:11)
Finding common ground is an important start. Witnesses need assurance you respect their faith before being willing to engage in deeper discussion.
The Centrality of Jesus Christ
The key focus when speaking to Jehovah’s Witnesses is testifying to the divine nature of Jesus. Unlike orthodox Christianity, they teach Jesus was created by God and is inferior to Him:
He was created by God as the beginning of His creation (Revelation 3:14) and the firstborn of all creation (Colossians 1:15)…Jesus is not Almighty God. (Jehovah’s Witnesses Official Website)
But Scripture teaches Jesus shares eternal glory, honor, and power with God the Father (Revelation 5:13). Jesus claimed divinity and oneness with the Father (John 10:30). Thomas called Him “my Lord and my God” (John 20:28). God the Father calls Jesus ho theos (the God) and says all creation should worship Him (Hebrews 1:6,8). Jesus possesses attributes that only apply to God, like omnipresence (Matthew 18:20) and omniscience (Revelation 2:23).
Jehovah’s Witnesses have been taught from Watchtower literature that Jesus is not God. But the Bible repeatedly affirms the deity of Christ. Only God can forgive sins (Luke 5:20-21) and Jesus does. Jesus accepted worship reserved solely for God (Matthew 14:33, John 9:38). And He possesses divine power over creation such as changing water to wine, multiplying food, healing sickness, and rising from the dead (John 2:1-11, Matthew 14:13-21, Matthew 4:23, John 20:1-9).
The truth of Jesus Christ’s divinity and oneness with the Father is a non-negotiable fundamental doctrine of biblical Christianity.
The Personhood of the Holy Spirit
Another unbiblical Watchtower teaching is that the Holy Spirit is not a person but merely God’s impersonal active force:
As for the ‘Holy Spirit,’ the so-called ‘third Person of the Trinity,’ we have already seen that it is, not a person, but God’s active force. (The Truth About the Holy Spirit, Watchtower, 2010)
But Scripture makes clear the Holy Spirit has personhood. In Acts 15:28, the Holy Spirit makes a decision. Romans 8:26-27 states the Spirit intercedes on our behalf. The Spirit also has unique will (1 Corinthians 12:11), mind (Romans 8:27), and emotions (Isaiah 63:10). He speaks (Acts 8:29), teaches (John 14:26), bears witness (John 15:26), and can be lied to (Acts 5:3-4) – all things only a person can do.
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and Son. All three persons of the Trinity are praised equally (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14). The Holy Spirit is eternal (Hebrews 9:14) and possesses omnipresence (Psalm 139:7) and omniscience (1 Corinthians 2:10-11). Scripture affirms the full personhood of the Holy Spirit.
Salvation Comes Through Christ Alone
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe salvation requires faith in Christ plus membership and works in their organization:
Are You Moving Ahead With Jehovah’s Organization? – If we want to benefit from Jehovah’s promise of salvation, we must identify and associate with his organization. (The Watchtower, February 2017)
But Scripture teaches salvation is a free gift from God, received by faith alone in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our works play no part in earning salvation (Titus 3:5). There is one mediator between God and man – Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5). Salvation comes solely by God’s grace through faith in Christ.
When witnessing, emphasize that eternal life comes only through Jesus (John 3:16, John 14:6, Acts 4:12). No amount of works or obedience to an organization can earn salvation.
Using Discernment
When engaging Jehovah’s Witnesses, focus on Scripture and the fundamental truths of the Christian faith:
- Jesus is fully God (John 1:1, Colossians 2:9)
- There is one God in three co-equal persons – the Trinity (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14)
- Salvation is by grace alone through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Avoid getting pulled into debates about minor issues or doctrinal disputes over interpreting particular verses. Stay focused on the big picture truths of who Jesus is and how we are saved.
Also realize Jehovah’s Witnesses are under tremendous pressure from the Watchtower Society. Be patient and avoid aggression when they’re unwilling to openly discuss certain points. With meekness, respect, and prayer the Holy Spirit can open hearts and minds to His truth (1 Peter 3:15).
Showing God’s Love
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 warns that without love, our witness amounts to nothing. When engaging Jehovah’s Witnesses:
- Be respectful – they are people Jesus died for!
- Listen to their perspective without judgment
- Ask questions to understand their beliefs
- Avoid attacking their faith or criticizing their church
- Look for opportunities to graciously share God’s love
Jehovah’s Witnesses go door-to-door hoping to convert people to their organization. But when they encounter loving Christians who gently share biblical truths, seeds can be planted. Pray for opportunities to witness with grace, speaking the truth in love.
Trusting the Results to God
When witnessing to Jehovah’s Witnesses, remember salvation is God’s work, not ours. He promises His word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11). We are called simply to share the gospel in love and clarity, trusting results to the Holy Spirit:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)
Jehovah’s Witnesses who turn to Christ likely face losing their family and friends who remain in the organization. Pray for boldness and compassion. Ask God to draw them into truth and give them strength to endure. With loving perseverance and focus on God’s Word, He can use us to reach even those most resistant to the true gospel of Jesus Christ.