Questions: Jehovah’s Witnesses

When engaging with someone from the Jehovah’s Witnesses, a good starting point is to ask about the identity of Jesus and His role in salvation. This can prompt reflection on how His divinity—or lack thereof—influences their understanding of salvation and their personal relationship with God. By exploring how Jesus fits into their relationship with the Father, you can open the door to a deeper discussion about what it means to truly know and experience God personally through Christ.

Question:

"Jesus said in John 14:6, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.' How do you understand this in light of the belief that Jesus is not fully God? How can a created being provide eternal salvation and lead us into a personal relationship with the Father?"

Explanation:

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus is the archangel Michael and not part of the Trinity. They see Him as a mediator between humanity and Jehovah God but do not view Him as fully divine. In contrast, Christians believe that Jesus is fully God and fully man, essential to a personal relationship with God. This relationship is foundational to experiencing true forgiveness and transformation in life.

Possible Response:

A Jehovah’s Witness might respond by affirming their faith in Jesus as their mediator and expressing how they see Him as essential to their worship of Jehovah, even if He is not viewed as God.

Follow-up Question:

"If you see Jesus as your mediator, how does that shape your experience of knowing God personally? Do you feel that your relationship with Him is based more on your understanding of doctrines, or do you have a personal experience of His presence in your life?"

As the conversation progresses, remember that the goal is not to win an argument. Someone may have the correct understanding but still not have a heart surrendered to the Lord. Our aim should be to plant seeds that God can grow into a personal relationship with Him through Jesus. While doctrinal debates may go back and forth, one area that's difficult for an honest person to refute is your personal testimony. Sharing how God has worked in your life can cause others, despite doctrinal differences, to reflect on their own relationship with God. Trust that God can work in their hearts, drawing them closer to Him. As 1 Peter 3:15 reminds us, always be prepared to share the reason for your hope, and trust that God can use your testimony to invite others into the relationship He desires for them.