Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe in Angels?
Jehovah’s Witnesses, a religious denomination with over 8 million adherents worldwide, hold unique beliefs that differentiate them from other Christian denominations. One of the distinctive teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses is their belief in angels. This article aims to explore whether Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in angels and what their understanding of these celestial beings entails.
Jehovah’s Witnesses indeed believe in angels. They consider angels to be spiritual creatures created by God, who serve as His messengers and perform various tasks in heaven. According to their teachings, angels were created before humans and are superior to them in intelligence, power, and holiness.
The Bible is the primary source of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ beliefs, and they interpret it to support their belief in angels. They point to various passages that mention angels, such as Genesis 19:1, where two angels are sent to Lot; and Revelation 14:6-7, where an angel is described as a messenger of God. Jehovah’s Witnesses also believe that angels have played significant roles in human history, such as at the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16-17) and the resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:11-12).
However, it is important to note that Jehovah’s Witnesses have a specific understanding of angels that differs from mainstream Christian beliefs. They believe that there are different types of angels, each with its own role and purpose. For example, they believe that cherubim and seraphim are angelic beings who guard the throne of God and praise Him (Isaiah 6:1-2).
Moreover, Jehovah’s Witnesses hold that angels are not divine or co-eternal with God. They believe that angels were created by God and are subject to His will. This contrasts with some Christian denominations that view angels as divine beings or as part of the Trinity.
In addition to their belief in angels, Jehovah’s Witnesses also teach that angels are involved in their eschatological views. They believe that the angel of the Lord will play a crucial role in the end times, helping to establish God’s kingdom on Earth. This belief is based on passages such as Zechariah 14:5, where the angel of the Lord is described as a warrior who will fight against the nations.
In conclusion, Jehovah’s Witnesses do believe in angels, considering them to be spiritual creatures created by God and serving as His messengers. Their understanding of angels is based on their interpretation of the Bible and is distinct from mainstream Christian beliefs. While they acknowledge the existence and importance of angels, they emphasize that angels are not divine and are subject to God’s will.
