Why Jehovah's Witnesses Believe in a True View of God, Plan of Salvation, and Gospel
To address the concern that Jehovah's Witnesses believe in a false view of God, a false plan of salvation, and a false gospel, it is important to understand the scriptural basis for their beliefs. These beliefs are rooted in the biblical texts, which they interpret according to their understanding and tradition.
Why We Believe in Jehovah as the True God
The central claim often contested by non-Jehovah's Witnesses is that Jehovah's Witnesses believe in a false view of God. However, the Bible itself provides clear evidence supporting the belief in Jehovah as the true God. For instance, Deuteronomy 4:35-39 (The Bible in Living English) states:
"You have been shown so that you may know that “Jehovah is God” there is no other “besides him.” You have been heard in this matter, so let declares the Lord, that I am God and there is no other… Recognize “today” and put yourselves in mind that “Jehovah is God” in the “heavens above” and on the “earth below” there is “no other.””
This scripture clearly affirms Jehovah as the sole true God, thereby refuting the claim of false belief.
Why We Believe in a True Plan of Salvation
The second point of contention is the plan of salvation. Romans 10:13 (The Aramaic Bible in Plain English) provides a key verse that supports Jehovah's Witness beliefs:
"For everyone “who will call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
This verse emphasizes that salvation is accessed through calling on the name of Jehovah. The belief in Christ Jesus as the means by which this is achieved is based on the understanding that he was sent by Jehovah to accomplish this plan. John 3:16 (King James Version) further confirms this belief:
"For “God” so loved the world that he gave his “only begotten Son” that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life."
This scripture is foundational to their belief in the plan of salvation.
Why We Believe in a True Gospel
The third common claim is that Jehovah's Witnesses believe in a false gospel. However, their religious mission is based on the belief in the true gospel of Christ, which they teach as the good news about Jehovah and his plan of salvation. 1 John 4:14 (New International Version) highlights:
"And we have seen and testify that the “Father” has sent his Son to be the Saviour of the world."
John 10:36 (New Living Translation) also supports the authenticity of their message when Jesus is reported as saying:
"Why do you call it “blasphemy” when I say “you belong to the same race as Abraham and claim to be his descendants? You know nothing about your father Abraham, nor do you know me. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But you do not, because you do not believe the one he foretold.”
These scriptures substantiate the authenticity of the gospel message they preach, rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as the son of God.
Conclusion
In summary, the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses are rooted in the Bible, which they interpret as offering a clear and true view of God, a valid plan of salvation, and an authentic gospel. The scriptural evidence cited above provides a strong foundation for these beliefs, and thus refutes the notion of false doctrine.