Jehovah's Witnesses hold distinctive beliefs about Jesus Christ that set them apart from many other Christian denominations. Central to their faith is their understanding of Jesus' identity, nature, and role within God's divine plan. This article explores what Jehovah Witnesses believe about Jesus, clarifying their teachings and how they interpret biblical scriptures related to Jesus' divinity.
Understanding Jehovah Witnesses’ Perspective on Jesus Christ
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus Christ is a central figure in God's divine plan, but their understanding of his nature diverges from traditional Trinitarian doctrines. They emphasize the distinction between Jehovah (God the Father) and Jesus, asserting that Jesus is a separate, created being rather than Almighty God himself. Their interpretation is rooted in their unique translation of the Bible, the New World Translation, and their doctrinal teachings.
Is Jesus God According to Jehovah Witnesses?
One of the core questions is whether Jehovah Witnesses believe Jesus is God. The answer is no. They firmly deny the doctrine of the Trinity, which states that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three persons in one God. Instead, they believe:
- Jesus is the Son of God, a divine being but not equal to Jehovah.
- He is a created being who was the first creation of Jehovah God.
- Jesus holds a special role as the Messiah and Savior but is not Almighty God himself.
Jesus as the First Creation
Jehovah Witnesses teach that Jesus was Jehovah's first creation, often referring to him as the "firstborn" of all creation. This belief is based on scriptures such as Revelation 3:14, which describes Jesus as "the beginning of God's creation." They interpret this to mean that Jesus was created prior to all other beings in existence and served as Jehovah's agent in creation.
This understanding leads them to see Jesus as a mighty, but ultimately subordinate, being who carries out God's will, rather than as an equal or part of a triune Godhead.
Scriptural Foundations for Their Beliefs
Jehovah Witnesses rely on specific biblical scriptures to support their view of Jesus:
- John 1:1-3: They interpret the phrase "the Word was a god" (in their translation) to mean Jesus is a divine being but not Almighty God.
- Colossians 1:15-16: Describes Jesus as "the firstborn of all creation," which they see as indicating his role as the first creation of Jehovah.
- Revelation 3:14: Refers to Jesus as "the beginning of God's creation."
- John 14:28: Jesus says, "The Father is greater than I," emphasizing his subordinate position.
The Role of Jesus in Salvation and God's Purpose
For Jehovah Witnesses, Jesus' primary role is that of the Messiah and the one who provides salvation for humanity. They believe that Jesus' sacrificial death opened the way for humans to be redeemed and to gain eternal life. However, they emphasize that salvation is ultimately dependent on obedience to God's laws and recognition of Jehovah as the one true God.
They also believe that Jesus' death and resurrection were divine acts carried out by Jehovah's direction, not by Jesus himself as an equal deity. Jesus is seen as God's agent or representative, carrying out God's will to accomplish salvation and establish God's Kingdom on earth.
Distinguishing Jehovah Witnesses’ Beliefs from Mainstream Christianity
Their teachings about Jesus' nature sharply contrast with mainstream Christian doctrines, especially the doctrine of the Trinity. Mainstream Christianity affirms that Jesus is fully God and fully human, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and Holy Spirit. Jehovah Witnesses reject this, asserting:
- Jesus is a divine being but not God himself.
- He was created by Jehovah, not co-eternal with him.
- He is distinct from and subordinate to Jehovah.
This difference shapes many aspects of Jehovah Witnesses’ worship, teachings, and understanding of biblical texts.
Implications of Their Beliefs on Worship and Prayer
Because Jehovah Witnesses do not believe Jesus is God, they do not worship Jesus as Lord or pray to him. Instead, their worship is directed exclusively to Jehovah God. They recognize Jesus as God's Son and their Savior but see him as a subordinate figure who points believers to Jehovah.
When praying, they address Jehovah directly, following Jesus' own example of praying to his Father. They also honor Jesus as the Messiah and the one who made salvation possible, but they do not attribute divine status to him.
Understanding the Holy Spirit in Jehovah Witness Theology
In Jehovah Witness theology, the Holy Spirit is not regarded as a person or a part of a Trinity. Instead, it is seen as God's active force or power used to accomplish his will. The Holy Spirit is not worshiped or prayed to, and it does not possess personal characteristics like consciousness or will.
Summary of Key Beliefs about Jesus
- Jesus is the Son of God, a created being, not Almighty God.
- He was the first creation of Jehovah, serving as his agent in creation and salvation.
- He is divine but not equal to Jehovah or part of a Trinity.
- His role is that of the Messiah, Savior, and the one who reveals God's purposes to humans.
- He is subordinate to Jehovah and worshiped as God's Son, not as God himself.
Conclusion
Understanding what Jehovah Witnesses believe about Jesus provides insight into their distinctive faith and biblical interpretation. They view Jesus as a divine, powerful created being who plays a crucial role in God's plan for salvation, but they do not believe he is God himself. Their rejection of the Trinity and their emphasis on Jehovah as the one true God shape their worship, teachings, and understanding of biblical scriptures related to Jesus.
While their beliefs differ significantly from mainstream Christianity, they remain committed to their interpretation of the Bible and their mission to share their understanding of God's word. Recognizing these differences helps foster better dialogue and understanding among people of diverse faith backgrounds.