Differences
between Jehovah's Witnesses and Christianity
Jehovah's Witness Belief† |
Bible Says |
Scriptures |
|
1 | Bible is God's word and is truth | Bible is God's word and is truth | Agreement |
2 | Bible is more reliable then tradition | Bible is more reliable then tradition | Agreement |
3 | God's name is Jehovah | Bible says God's name is YHVH (): Pronunciation "Jehovah" was instituted by Christian scholars in 12th century | none |
4 | Christ is God's Son and is inferior to him | Christ is God. He took on the form of man to come to earth. | *John 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:16, |
5 | Christ was first of God's creations | Christ is co-eternal with God, and as such was not created | Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1, Hebrews 13:8 |
6 | Christ died on a stake, not a cross | Christ died on a cross | *John 20:25, Matthew 27:37, 27 |
7 | Christ's human life was paid as a ransom for obedient humans | Christ life was paid as a ransom for sinners | Matthew 9:13, 1 Timothy 1:15 |
8 | Christ's one sacrifice was sufficient | Christ's one sacrifice was sufficient | Agreement |
9 | Christ was raised from the dead as an immortal spirit person | Christ was raised from the dead bodily | Luke 24:39, John 2:21, John 20:27 |
10 | Christ's presence is in spirit | Christ lives in believers | Matthew 28:20, John 14:23 |
11 | Kingdom under Christ will rule earth in righteousness and peace | Christ will rule Millennial Kingdom on earth in righteousness and peace | *Revelation 5:12, Revelation 20:6 |
12 | Kingdom brings ideal living conditions to earth | New heavens/earth will bring ideal living conditions to God's people | Revelation 21:1-5, Isaiah 66:22 |
13 | Earth will never be destroyed or depopulated | God will create new heavens and earth and new physical laws. God's people will be removed from earth. | Matthew 24:31, Mark 13:27, 1 Thess. 4:16-17 |
14 | God will destroy present system of things in the battle of Har-Magedon | Christ will destroy present system of things in the battle of Har-Magedon | 1 Corinthians 15:24, Revelation 19:15-16 |
15 | Wicked will be eternally destroyed | Wicked will be eternally punished | *Daniel 12:1-2, Matthew 25:46, Mark 3:29 |
16 | People God approves will receive eternal life | People who confess Christ as Lord and Savior will receive eternal life | Matthew 19:29, John 3:14-15, 16 |
17 | There is only one road to life | Jesus Christ is only way to life | John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Acts 15:11 |
18 | We are now in the "time of the end" | We are probably in the "time of the end" (no one knows for sure) | Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:32, John 7:27 |
19 | Human death is due to Adam's sin | Both human Spiritual death and physical death is due to Adam's sin | Genesis 2:17, 1 Corinthians 15:22 |
20 | The human soul ceases to exist at death | The spirit of man goes to be with God | *Ecclesiastes 3:21, Ecclesiastes 12:7 |
21 | Hell is mankind's common grave | Before Christ, all went to Hades, after Christ only non-believers | *Psalms 9:17, Matthew 23:33 |
22 | Hope for dead is resurrection | Hope and dread for dead is resurrection: all are resurrected | John 5:29, Acts 24:15 |
23 | Adamic death will cease | Adamic death will cease | Agreement |
24 | Only a little flock of 144,000 go to heaven and rule with Christ | All people who confess Christ as Lord and Savior will be with Him at death | *Romans 6:8, 2 Corinthians 13:4, 2 Timothy 2:11-12 |
25 | The 144,000 are born again as spiritual sons of God | All people who confess Christ as Lord and Savior are born again | *John 3:3, John 3:3-7 |
26 | New covenant made with spiritual Israel | New covenant made with all people who confess Christ as Lord and Savior | Jeremiah 31:31-33, Hebrews 10:16-19, Hebrews 9:14-15 |
27 | Christ's congregation is built upon himself | Christ's congregation is built upon himself, not a religion | Agreement |
28 | Prayers must be directed only to Jehovah through Christ | Prayers may be directed to God, Christ, or the Holy Spirit only | Matthew 6:9, Acts 7:59, Romans 8:14 |
29 | Images must not be used in worship | Images must not be used in worship | Agreement |
30 | Spiritism must be shunned | Spiritism must be shunned | Agreement |
31 | Satan is invisible ruler of world | Satan rules only those who allow him | Psalms 109:4-6, 1 Corinthians 7:5 |
32 | A Christian must have no part in interfaith movements | Unity of the body of Christ is taught. Unity outside the body of Christ is prohibited | *Psalms 133:1, Ephesians 4:3-5, Ephesians 4:11-13 |
33 | A Christian must keep separate from the world | A Christian must keep separate from the world | Agreement |
34 | All human laws that do not conflict with God's laws should be obeyed | All human laws that do not conflict with God's laws should be obeyed | Agreement |
35 | Taking blood into the body through mouth or veins violates God's laws | The Bible says nothing about taking blood through veins | see #37 |
36 | Bible's laws on morals must be obeyed | Bible's laws on morals should be obeyed, we have all sinned | Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:10 |
37 | Sabbath observance was given only to the Jews and ended with Mosaic Law | All laws were given only to the Jews and ended with Mosaic Law. We are not under the law. | Romans 6:14, Galatians 3:13, 1 Corinthians 6:12 |
38 | A clergy class and special titles are improper | A New Testament clergy class is described and given titles | Romans 13:6-7, 1 Timothy 3:1, 10 |
39 | Man did not evolve but was created | Man did not evolve but was created | Agreement |
40 | Christ set an example that must be followed in serving God | Christ set an example that we try to follow in serving God | Romans 7:15, Romans 7:18 |
41 | Baptism by complete immersion symbolizes dedication | Baptism symbolizes death to our old nature and rebirth as Christ's disciple. Baptism in the Holy Spirit | Acts 1:5, Acts 1:5, Acts 11:16, 1 Corinthians 12:13 |
42 | Christians must give public testimony to Scriptural truth | Christians must give public testimony to the gospel of Jesus Christ | Romans 1:16, Romans 15:19, 1 Corinthians 1:17 |
43 | Christ is Michael the Archangel | Christ is not an angel, but God | *Hebrews 1:13 |
44 | Two classes of believers: "John" class only will inherit Heaven | All believers are equal in Christ | *1 Corinthians 12: 13, Galatians 3:28 |
45 | The greatest name is Jehovah | The greatest name is Jesus Christ | Ephesians
1:20-22 Philippians 2:9 |
46 | Birthdays and holidays are not to be observed | Anything done unto the Lord is legal and pleasing to Him | Romans 14:5-6 |
47 | Man does not have a spirit | Man has a spirit | *Ecclesiastes 3:21 |
48 | We are to worship Jehovah only | We are to worship Father, Son, and Holy Spirit | Hebrews 1:6, Revelation 5:13 |
49 | Jesus second coming occurred invisibly in 1914 and His kingdom was established in heaven | Jesus will return physically to earth and all alive will see Him as His kingdom is established on earth | Matthew
24:30 Revelation 1:7 |
†#1-42 taken from Jehovah's Witnesses' publication "Jehovah's Witnesses in the Twentieth Century" (� 1989 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania)
*Additional scriptures are found in other pages. See pages listed below.
References
3. God's name is Jehovah:
The Old Testament gives the personal name of God as YHVH (). The Hebrews thought the name so sacred that it was not to be spoken. Therefore, the vowels that go with the four consonants are uncertain, although there are certain rules of Hebrew that allow one to make an educated guess. My boss, an orthodox Jew who studies the scriptures only in Hebrew, confirms that the pronunciation "Jehovah" is incorrect. The most likely pronunciation is "Yahweh."
4. Christ is God. He took the form of a man to come to earth:
- In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
- For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9)
- And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (1 Timothy 3:16)
- Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (Hebrews 1:3)
- 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)
- But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (Hebrews 2:9)
For additional verses, see page, "Is Jesus God?"
5. Christ is co-eternal with God:
- 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)
- Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
For additional verses, see page, "Jesus Christ: The First of God's Creations?"
6. Christ died on a cross:
- The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. (John 20:25) (Note: plural "nails", requires a cross, not a stake)
- And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. (Matthew 27:37) (Note: cross is over His head, not hands)
For additional verses, see page "Did Christ Die on a Cross?"
7. Christ life was paid as a ransom for sinners:
- But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matthew 9:13)
- But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
- For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. (Romans 5:19)
- Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. (Galatians 2:16-17)
- I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
- This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)
9. Christ was raised from the dead bodily:
- But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. (Luke 24:37-43)
- Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. (John 2:19-21)
- But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 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. (John 20:24-28)
10. Christ lives in believers:
- Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20)
- Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (John 14:23)
11. Christ will rule Millennial Kingdom on earth in righteousness and peace:
- Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. (Revelation 5:12)
- Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:6)
For additional verses, see page "Who has all power and authority?"
12. New heavens and earth will bring ideal living conditions to God's people:
- And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. (Revelation 21:1-5)
- For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. (Isaiah 66:22)
13. God's people will be removed from earth:
- And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:31)
- And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. (Mark 13:27)
- For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
14. Christ will destroy present system of things in the battle of Har-Magedon:
- 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. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. (1 Corinthians 15:24-27)
- And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:15-16)
- And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4)
15. Wicked will be eternally punished:
- ...and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. (Daniel 12:1-2)
- And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (Matthew 25:46)
- But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: (Mark 3:29)
*For additional verses, see page "What is the Fate of Those Who Reject Jesus Christ?"
16. People who confess Christ as Lord and Savior will receive eternal life:
- And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. (Matthew 19:29)
- And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:14-15)
- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
- He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)
- Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:13-14)
- 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)
- Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (John 6:27)
- And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:40)
- Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (John 6:47)
- Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:54)
- Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. (John 6:68)
- And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:28)
- That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:21)
- For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
- Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. (1 Timothy 1:16)
- Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:6-7)
- And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (1 John 5:11)
- He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (1 John 5:12)
- These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13)
- And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. (1 John 5:20)
- Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 1:21)
17. Jesus Christ is only way to life:
- And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: (Jeremiah 32:39)
- Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)
- Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
- But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. (Acts 15:11)
18. We are probably in the "time of the end" (no one knows for sure):
- But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Matthew 24:36)
- But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. (Mark 13:32)
- Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is. (John 7:27)
19. Spiritual death is due to Adam's sin:
- But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (Genesis 2:17) (Adam did not die physically in the day he ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil)
- For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:22) (You are made alive by being spiritually born again through faith in Jesus Christ)
20. The spirit of man goes to be with God:
- Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? (Ecclesiastes 3:21)
- Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7)
*For additional verses, see page "Where do we (believers) go when we die?"
21. Before Christ, all went to Hades, after Christ only non-believers:
- The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. (Psalm 9:17)
- Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Matthew 23:33)
*For additional verses, see page "Who goes to Hell?"
22. Hope and dread for dead is resurrection: all are resurrected:
- And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (John 5:29)
- And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. (Acts 24:15)
24. All people who confess Christ as Lord and Savior will be with Him at death:
- Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (Romans 6:8)
- For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. (2 Corinthians 13:4)
- It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: (2 Timothy 2:11-12)
*For additional verses, see page "Where do we(believers) go when we die?"
25. All people who confess Christ as Lord and Savior are born again:
- Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3)
- Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:3-7)
For additional verses see page "Who are the sons (children) of God?"
26. New convenant made with all people who confess Christ as Lord and Savior :
- Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Jeremiah 31:31-33)
- As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water. Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee; (Zechariah 9:11-12)
- For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: (Hebrews 8:8)
- How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:14-15)
- This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
- And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, (Hebrews 10:16-19)
- For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matthew 26:28)
- And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. (Mark 14:24)
- Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (Luke 22:20)
- After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 11:25)
28. Prayers may be directed to God, Christ, or the Holy Spirit only:
- Pray, then, in this way: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. (Matthew 6:9)
- And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. (Acts 7:59)
- I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service; (1 Timothy 1:12)
- For all those being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14)
- And in the same way, the Spirit also helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26, 27)
31. Satan rules only those who allow him:
- For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer. And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love. Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand. (Psalm 109:4-6)
- And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the LORD of the whole earth. (Zechariah 4:12-14)
- Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. (1 Corinthians 7:5)
- To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:10-11)
- Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
- Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)
- Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:6)
- Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
- Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (1 Peter 5:8-9)
32. Unity of the body of Christ is taught:
- Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (Ephesians 4:3-5)
- Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)
- And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
- For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
- Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (Ephesians 4:11-13)
For additional verses see page "One body of believers"
36. Bible's laws on morals should be obeyed, we have all sinned:
- But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (Isaiah 64:6)
- What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; (Romans 3:9)
- For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)
- If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:10)
37. All laws were given only to the Jews and ended with Mosaic Law. We are not under the law
- For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6:14)
- Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. (Romans 7:4)
- But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. (Romans 7:6)
- For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. (Galatians 2:19)
- Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (Galatians 3:13)
- All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. (1 Corinthians 6:12)
- All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. (1 Corinthians 10:23)
- For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)
- If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:10)
- For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
38. A New Testament clergy class is described and given titles:
- For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (Romans 13:6-7)
- This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (1 Timothy 3:1)
- And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. (1 Timothy 3:10)
40. Christ set an example that we try to follow in serving God:
- For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. (Romans 7:18)
- For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. (Romans 7:15)
41. We are also baptized to receive the Holy Spirit
- For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (Acts 1:5)
- Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
- Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 11:16)
- For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13)
42. Christians must give public testimony to the gospel of Jesus Christ:
- For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; (Romans 1:9)
- For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)
- Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:19)
- And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:29)
- For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (1 Corinthians 1:17)
- If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. (1 Corinthians 9:12)
- Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, (2 Corinthians 2:12)
- In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:4)
- Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; (2 Corinthians 9:13)
- For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: (2 Corinthians 10:14)
- I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (Galatians 1:6-7)
- That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (Ephesians 3:6)
- Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; (PhiliPPians 1:27)
- And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: (1 Thessalonians 3:2)
- For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? (Hebrews 1:5)
43. Christ is not an angel:
- But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? (Hebrews 1:13)
- The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. (Psalm 110:1)
- But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. (Daniel 10:13) (Michael is just "one of the chief princes")
*For additional verses see page, "Is Jesus God?"
44. All believers are equal in Christ:
- For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13)
- There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)
For additional verses see page, "One body of believers"
45. The greatest name is Jesus Christ:
- Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 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: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, (Ephesians 1:20-22)
- 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. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (Philippians 2:5-10)
46. Anything done unto the Lord is legal and pleasing to Him:
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. (Romans 14:5-6)
47. Man has a spirit:
Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? (Ecclesiastes 3:21)
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7)
For additional verses see page, "Does Man have a spirit?"
48. We are to worship Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. (Hebrews 1:6)
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. (Revelation 5:13)
For additional verses see page, "Should we worship Jesus?"
49. Jesus will return physically and all alive will see Him:
- Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10) (God's kingdom has already been established in heaven)
- And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30)
- And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. (Mark 13:26)
- 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)
- For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. (Luke 17:24)
- Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1:11)
- Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
- 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)
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Last Modified June 8, 2008