Who do Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Jesus is?
Jehovah’s Witnesses, a religious denomination with millions of adherents worldwide, hold unique beliefs about Jesus Christ that differ significantly from mainstream Christian theology. Understanding their perspective requires a look into their doctrine and scriptural interpretations.
Belief in Jesus as the Son of God
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but they emphasize that He is not divine in the same sense as the Trinity is understood in traditional Christian belief. They reject the concept of the Trinity, which posits that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are three distinct persons who are one in essence. Instead, Jehovah’s Witnesses view Jesus as a created being, the firstborn of God, and the only-begotten Son.
Creation and Jesus’ Role
According to their doctrine, Jesus was created by God as the first of His sons. This belief is rooted in their interpretation of scriptural passages, such as John 1:3, which states, “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus was created before the earth and the rest of the universe, and that He played a crucial role in the creation process.
Jesus’ Role in the New World Order
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus was sent to earth to establish a new world order, which they refer to as the Kingdom of God. They teach that Jesus’ earthly ministry was primarily about preparing the faithful for this coming kingdom. They also believe that Jesus was resurrected and now sits at God’s right hand in heaven, serving as the kingdom’s king.
Second Coming and Jesus’ Role in the End Times
Jehovah’s Witnesses anticipate that Jesus will return to earth in the near future to establish His kingdom and bring an end to the current world order. They believe that Jesus will rule with divine authority, bringing peace, justice, and prosperity to the earth. During this time, Jesus will also serve as a judge, separating the righteous from the wicked.
Conclusion
In summary, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the firstborn of His creation, and the king of the coming Kingdom of God. Their beliefs about Jesus differ from those of mainstream Christianity, particularly in their rejection of the Trinity and their interpretation of Jesus’ role in the creation and end times. Understanding these beliefs is essential for anyone seeking to comprehend the religious views of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
