Questions for Jehovah’s Witnesses
It is a feature of many sects that they promote themselves by appealing to people’s innate values but fail to explain the details or fine-print of what their organisation teaches. These are three questions about the small print of the Watchtowers teaching.
Question 1
Does the Watchtower organisation teach that Jesus returned invisibly in 1914 and that he appointed them his faithful slave?
Yes, the Watchtower organisation (officially known as Jehovah’s Witnesses) teaches that Jesus Christ returned invisibly in 1914 and subsequently appointed the organisation’s leadership as His “faithful and discreet slave” based on their interpretation of Matthew 24:45-47..
This is an overview of their teachings:
1. Jesus’ Invisible Return in 1914
Jehovah’s Witnesses are told that Jesus began ruling as King of God’s Kingdom in 1914, not visibly but in a heavenly and invisible capacity. This teaching is based on a strange interpretation of biblical prophecies:
They have calculated, using Daniel 4:10-17 (the prophecy of the “seven times”), that this refers to a period ending in 1914. The Watchtower leaders have interpreted this date as marking the beginning of the “last days”. However this passage is about Nebuchadnezzar’s dream which Daniel goes on to interpret this in terms of the Kings downfall. Bible scholars tell us that this phrase, the last days, is used in the Bible as a technical term and refers to all the years between Christs first and second comings.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that during 1914, Jesus began a process of judgment and preparation for the establishment of God’s rule over the Earth.
2. Appointment of the “Faithful and Discreet Slave
The teaching about the “faithful and discreet slave” is based on Matthew 24:45-47, where Jesus describes a servant appointed to provide spiritual food for his household. Significantly Jesus contrasts this servant with the wicked servant who controls others. Is it a coincidence that the Watchtower has often been described as a controlling organisation?
Jehovah’s Witnesses are told that in 1919, following Jesus’ invisible return, Jehovah appointed their leadership (then represented by the Watchtower Society) as His faithful and discreet slave.
This strange interpretation is interpreted to mean that the Watchtower organisation has been given God’s authority to dispense the meaning of Bible teachings and give spiritual guidance. The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a small group of men based at their headquarters, is understood to represent this “slave” today.
3. Authority of the Watchtower Organisation
Jehovah’s Witnesses view the Governing Body as Jesus’ sole channel of communication on Earth. Thus the Watchtower mirrors what the Roman Catholic church says about the Pope. They believe that remaining loyal to the teachings and direction of the Governing Body is equivalent to being loyal to Jesus Christ.
4. Criticism and Controversy
These teachings have been criticised by nearly all Christian groups, who disagree with the bizarre interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, the calculation of dates, and the application of Matthew 24:45-47. Although they claim to follow Scripture in some major doctrines they differ from the clear teaching of Scripture. Thus they reject what Jesus said about his being divine and one with the Father (John 10:30-38)
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time. “So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.“ Matthew 24:24-27
The Bible does not support the idea of an invisible return in 1914 or the specific appointment of any single group, whether the Roman Catholic church or the Watchtower organisation, as Jesus’ sole representative on Earth.
These beliefs in both the return of Jesus in 1914 and the rule of the Governing body of the Jehovah’s Witnesses are central to their identity, authority and organisation. The Watchtower teaches that this doctrine about their authority and the invisible return of Christ in 1914 must be believed if people are to be saved. People are therefore trapped, to question these doctrines is to risk exclusion.
Question 2
Does the Watchtower Organisation believe that there are two classes of Christians, the Anointed Class and the Earthly Class? When was this introduced and how does this compare with what the Bible teaches?
Yes, the Watchtower organisation does teach that there are two classes of Christians: the “Anointed Class” and the “Earthly Class.” This doctrine is central to their belief system and defines their understanding of salvation and God’s Kingdom
The Anointed Class:
This group is believed to consist of 144,000 individuals, based on their interpretation of Revelation 7:4 and Revelation 14:1-3. Members of the Anointed Class are considered to have a heavenly hope and they will rule with Christ as kings and priests in heaven (Revelation 20:6). They are viewed as the “faithful and discreet slave” responsible for dispensing spiritual food to Jesus’ followers (Matthew 24:45-47). Jehovah’s Witnesses believe the Anointed Class began with Jesus’ apostles and early Christians and continues to the present day, though the number of Anointed is limited to a literal 144,000.
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The Earthly Class (The Great Crowd):
The majority of Jehovah’s Witnesses belong to this class, often referred to as the “other sheep,” based on John 10:16. This group has an earthly hope, they are promised eternal life on a restored paradise Earth under God’s Kingdom (Psalm 37:29; Isaiah 65:17-25). They do not receive the bread and wine at the annual Memorial of Christ’s death, as this is reserved for the Anointed Class. They are considered secondary beneficiaries of Christ’s sacrifice, receiving blessings through the leadership of the Anointed Class.
When Was This Doctrine Introduced?
The two-class teaching developed over time within the Watchtower organization. In the 1870s, early Watchtower founder Charles Taze Russell believed all faithful Christians had a heavenly hope. By the early 20th century, under the leadership of Joseph Rutherford, the teaching began to shift. Rutherford introduced the idea of a secondary class in the 1930s, identifying the “other sheep” as a distinct group with an earthly hope.
The identification of 1935 as the “cutoff” for the gathering of the 144,000 (the Anointed Class) marked the full development of this doctrine.
How Does This Compare with the Bible?
The Watchtower’s two-class doctrine is another point of significant divergence from mainstream Christian teachings. Here’s a comparison with the Bible’s teaching on salvation:
There is one hope for all believers
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called.” Ephesians 4:4-6
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:28-29
Salvation and eternal life are viewed as the same promise for all believers, with no division between heavenly and earthly hopes.
Who are the 144,000 in Revelation?
Most Christian interpretations understand the 144,000 in Revelation as symbolic, representing the fullness of God’s people rather than a literal number. The “great multitude” (Revelation 7:9) is often seen as the same group, described from a different perspective.
Who are the “Other Sheep” in John 10:16
Jesus’ reference to “other sheep” is commonly understood to mean the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s covenant, not a separate class with a different hope.
The Watchtower’s interpretation imposes an artificial distinction not supported by the broader context of Scripture. This teaching was developed during the early 20th century and was only formalized in the 1930s. In contrast the Bible clearly teaches a unified hope of salvation for all believers and does not support the Watchtower’s interpretation. The dying thief on the cross was promised that he would be with Jesus in paradise simply because he trusted in Jesus.
Question 3
Does the Watchtower teach that people need the Watchtower to help them understand the Bible and to come to life, spiritual life?
Yes, the Watchtower organisation (Jehovah’s Witnesses) teaches that their organisation is necessary for correctly understanding the Bible and obtaining spiritual life. This belief is central to their doctrine and structure.
1. The Role of the Watchtower in Understanding the Bible
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the Bible alone is not sufficient for people to arrive at a correct understanding of God’s truth. They teach that the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses acts as the “faithful and discreet slave” (Matthew 24:45-47) that provides spiritual food to Jehovah’s followers. In Acts 8:30-31, Philip helps the Ethiopian eunuch understand Scripture, which does illustrate the need that people need guidance to understand the Bible but Philip was approved by the Apostles and taught what Christ taught.
The translation of 2 Peter 1:20 in their New World translation is:
“”No prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation.”
This is interpreted to mean individuals should not interpret the Bible independently. However that is not what Peter was stressing. He was saying that the Old Testament prophets were not giving their own thoughts but those of God when they wrote their books! The NIV more accurately translates this passage as:
“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:20-21
This is another example of how the Watchtower has tried to change the obvious meaning of Scripture for their own ends. The Watchtower publications, such as magazines, books, and study aids, are taught to be the tools through which God provides spiritual guidance.
They assert that individual study of the Bible, without the guidance of the Watchtower, can lead to misunderstanding or doctrinal error. The following quotes from Watchtower Publications illustrate this:
“We all need help to understand the bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the ‘faithful and discreet slave’ organisation.” The Watchtower, 1981, Feb. 15, p. 19
“The Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organisation, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible.” The Watchtower, 1967, Oct. 1, p. 587
2. The Watchtower and Spiritual Life
The Watchtower organisation teaches that spiritual life and salvation are dependent on following their teachings and remaining in the organisation. Association with Jehovah’s Witnesses is viewed as necessary for a relationship with God and Jesus Christ. They claim that God’s guidance and approval are channeled exclusively through their organisation. Disfellowshipping (excommunication) from the organisation is considered spiritual death unless the individual repents and is reinstated. The following statements illustrate this teaching:
“Come to Jehovah’s organisation for salvation.” The Watchtower, 1981, Nov. 15, p. 21
“Apart from God’s visible organisation, it is impossible to gain accurate knowledge of the truth.” The Watchtower, 1983, Feb. 15, p. 12
For this reason Witnesses are discouraged from studying the Bible alone or with others who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses. The following quotes illustrate this and reveal how controlling the Watchtower organisation really is:
1910. “If the 6 volumes of 'Scripture Studies' are practically the Bible topically arranged, with Bible proof-texts given, we might not improperly name the volumes- 'The Bible' in an arranged form. That is to say, they are not merely comments on the Bible, but they are practically the Bible itself...Furthermore, not only do we find that people cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible itself, but we see also that if anyone lays the 'Scripture Studies' ... after he has read them for 10 years-if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone...out experience shows that within 2 years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he has merely read the 'S.S.' with their references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be in the light at the end of the two years.” Watchtower, Sept 15, 1910
1951. “But if each of us were left to himself just because he has a copy of the Bible and were to direct his movements independently as he thought he understood the Word, what? It is likely, or possible, that there would be a great deal of confusion or working in competition among us. Hence, besides individually possessing God's Word, we need a theocratic organisation. Yes, besides having God's spirit of illumination, a Christian needs Jehovah's theocratic organisation in order to understand the Bible.” Watchtower, June 15, 1951; p. 375
1957. “The world is full of Bibles, which Book contains the commandments of God. Why, then, do the people not know which way to go? . . . God has not arranged for [His] Word to speak independently or to shine life-giving truths by itself. It is through his organization God provides this light.” Watchtower, May 1, 1957, pg. 274
1967. “The Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah's visible organization in mind.” Watchtower, Oct 1, 1967, pg. 587
1965. “He does not impart his holy spirit and understanding and appreciation of his Word apart from his visible organization.” Watchtower, July 1, 1965, pg. 391
1981. “We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the scriptural guidance we need outside the 'faithful and discreet slave' organization.'” Watchtower, February 15, 1981, p.19
1981. “They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such 'Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago . . .” Watchtower. Aug. 15, 1981; p. 29
1994. “Channel to understanding the Bible . . . All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave.” Watchtower, Oct. 1, 1994; p. 8
Non-Witnesses must understand that Witnesses’ authority is not the Bible, instead they believe and follow the Watchtower.
Comparison with Biblical Teaching
Christians would disagree with the Watchtower’s view, pointing to the following Bible passages:
1. The sufficiency of Scripture as God’s authority
The apostles taught that the authority of the church of Christ and of every Christian is the Word of God. All the books in the New Testament have the authority of Christ’s apostles behind them
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
This reminds us that the Bible is the basis for teaching about spiritual growth and understanding, not an organisation. Good Bible teachers are needed but it is up to every individual to check the teaching to ensure it really is what God teaches consistently in Scripture.
2. The Holy Spirit is our teacher
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would teach His followers and remind them of His words:
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26
The Holy Spirit guided his disciples to accurately write down what Jesus did and taught and how this teaching applies to individuals and churches thereafter. Our priority is to submit permanently to the rule of Jesus Christ and obey what he teaches us in Scripture. It is in Scripture that we learn what God wants us to know and every Christian has been given God’s Holy Spirit to lead us into the truth revealed in the Word of God. All who submit to the Word of God, to the Lord Jesus, are members of the Kingdom of God and therefore have eternal life.
This is different to what Watchtower teaches. They put themselves between individuals and the Lord. They teach:
People need the organisation to correctly understand the Bible and gain spiritual life.
For Jehovah’s Witnesses, spiritual life and salvation are tied to loyalty to the Watchtower organisation. However this teaching of the Watchtower contrasts with the teaching of Christ and his apostles. They tell us that the Bible, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is sufficient for understanding God’s truth and tells people how they can receive spiritual life which is only given to those who submit to the rule of Gods own Son; he cannot be sidelined if we are to be saved.
.Psalm 2 is one of the many passages that tell us that the Lord Jehovah and his Son must be treated equally:
“Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 2:11-12
