AboutDerrick Holland Expertise I was raised in the religion known as Jehovah`s Witnesses for 13 years. Since becoming a born-again Christian, I have researched extensively this religion, especially their doctrines and their history. I can answer questions about their doctrines from the perspective of Biblical Christianity.
Experience 23 years of Biblical research into the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith, and how they differ from the teachings of the Watchtower.
Question Ok, It is my understanding that Jesus said unless a man is born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God...why is it that JW's do not believe that the average Christian needs a new birth? It seems to me this is contradicting John 3 and 1 John 5:1.
Answer Hello Laurie, and thank you for the question.
Yes, you are absolutely correct that the JW belief is a contradiction of John 3 and 1 John 5:1. It is also a contradiction of 1 Peter 1:23 and John 1:12-13. I will comment on that last Scripture more in a moment, but first, let me explain to you where the JWs derive their belief.
You must first understand one very important point....JWs teach that there are 2 classes of Christians who will be saved, with each class having a different eternal destiny. The first class is referred to as "the anointed" class, and consists of only 144,000 members. This is the "class" that supposedly gets to go to heaven.
The second class is referred to as the "other sheep", and includes the rest of faithful JWs. This group will not ever go to heaven, or see God. Instead, they will live forever on a restored paradise earth.
Now, here is where being born again ties in with this. JWs teach that ONLY the ones who will attain heavenly life, the 144,000, need a new birth. This is based on the idea that "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God". They teach that the ones who are destined for life in heaven must undergo a "new birth", in order that they may enter heaven to reign with Christ.
However, as the teaching goes, the "earthly class" does not need a new birth, since their destiny is not heavenly life.
Of course, you and I know that this is a blatant contradiction of Scripture. NOWHERE does the Bible limit the number of people who can be born again. Jesus told Nicodemus that "except A MAN be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." He did NOT say that "except one of the 144,000 be born again....".
In fact, the Bible is very clear about just WHO can be born again. The passage I mentioned earlier tells us....
John 1:12-13...."But AS MANY AS RECEIVED HIM, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, EVEN TO THEM THAT BELIEVE ON HIS NAME: Which WERE BORN, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, BUT OF GOD."
Sadly, many JWs will miss out on eternal life, because they fail to simply believe the Word of God on this point.....Being born again is for ALL who receive Him, and believe on His name. This is not limited to a number, but to "whomsoever will".
I hope this answer has helped explain things a little bit. You may also want to check out my personal web page for more information on JW doctrine. My site is www.jehovahswitnesses-thetruth.com, and I think you will find some useful information.
And again, if you have any further questions, or need me to clarify anything I have said, please do not hesitate to ask.
