These Four Things: Idols, Blood, Things Strangled, Fornication

First let us read Acts 15:20-29 as seen below.

“But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.”

Here as the early church was forming there was confusion as to how much of the Law the gentile believers needed to keep. There were some Jews who were demanding too much of the gentile believers, they were demanding carnal ordinances - circumcision and the keeping of the ceremonial laws. In the passage above we see the “necessary things” which the early believers were instructed to abstain from. There are two common misinterpretations of these instructions today. The first mistake is the failure to realize that these instructions apply to us yet today. The second mistake is to think that these are the only commandments for Christians today. These four items of instruction must be interpreted with an understanding of the Law, and by consideration of all that is taught in the New Testament Epistles; this is what we will examine.

Things Offered Unto Idols

The eating of meat which was offered unto idols is clearly discussed by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 and 1 Corinthians 10:19-33.

“But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.” –1 Corinthians 8:6-13

In these verses we learn that there is nothing wrong in itself with eating meat offered to idols, because we know that all meat is good and created by God to be eaten. But, Paul warns us that we should not eat it if we offend a weaker Christian. For instance, a weaker Christian may not realize that it is provided by God and acceptable to eat with thanksgiving. The weaker Christian may simply associate it in his mind with idols – and therefore be offended, having their conscience wounded if they would eat it, or if they see other Christians eat it. Therefore, we are to abstain from meat offered to idols for the sake of our weaker brothers and sisters in Christ, that we let not our freedom become a snare in the building of their faith, or the maturing of their Christian walk. Fortunately, the selling of meat offered unto idols in the present day is a rare occurrence so far as I am aware; however, this fact does not make this commandment any less pertinent. The principle here is still relevant and manifest to us. The lesson is – do not weaken another’s faith by what you yourself have the liberty to do. For example, don’t drink alcohol in the presence of those who do or are tempted to abuse it.

From Blood

After the flood in Genesis 9:3-4 when God first ordained that mankind should eat meat he gave with it the commandment which seems to teach both to abstain from the eating of blood and of raw meat. Prior to the flood mankind was only permitted by God to eat plants and things other than animal flesh (Genesis 1:29). This command was given to Noah and thereby to all mankind, which is why it remains for Christians today, while the ceremonial laws given specifically to Abraham and the Israel of the flesh for a time regarding clean and unclean meats are no longer applicable (1 Timothy 4:4, 1 Corinthians 10:18, Romans 2:28-29, 2 Corinthians 3:3, Jeremiah 31:31-32, Hebrews 8).

Below are some more verses which help us understand the evils of the consumption of blood of which the Holy Ghost forbids us in Acts 15:28-29. Notice that this was not only a law for the Israelites but for “the strangers that sojourn among” them. Notice in Numbers 9:14 and Numbers 15:14 that keeping the Passover and offering sacrifices to the Lord was optional for “the strangers that sojourn among” them, but draining the blood of animals was a requirement for all people (Leviticus 17:13). Notice also that the eating of blood is listed along with practices of witches in Leviticus 19:26. Below are some more verses on this subject.

“Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings. Whatsoever soul it be that eateth any manner of blood, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.” – Leviticus 7:26-27

“And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people. For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood. And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust. For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.” – Leviticus 17:10-14 (also see 1 Samuel 14:33, Deuteronomy 12:16, Deuteronomy 12:23, Deuteronomy 12:27, and Deuteronomy 15:23).

Things Strangled

Here Christians are taught not to eat things which are strangled to death. Why? This relates again to the verses above. When an animal is strangled it becomes saturated in its blood. Strangling animals is both a cruel and an unlawful way to kill them since it is torturesome and their blood is not properly drained. It is impossible to properly bleed an animal that has been strangled to death. This is perhaps the commandment of the four which more Christians are most ignorant of.

Fornication

Here is a sin which is impossible for any Christian to, reasonably speaking escape ignorance of. It is warned against throughout the scriptures and is described as the only sin which one commits against his own body (1 Corinthians 6:18). Below are two portions of scripture which perhaps best present to us the nature of this particular sin.

In 1 Corinthians 6:15-20 we read - “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”

In Galatians 5:19-25 we read - “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

Another point to consider in this day and age in which we live is the acceptance of this sin by many who call themselves Christians. There are many who seem to think that the commands to avoid fornication only apply to young people and not to those “mature” enough to “handel” it. The observing of this attitude shows how the acceptance of the doctrines of devils and the influence of the spirit of antichrist has evaded the “church,” but the true Church remains pure. I believe that a part of this attitude stems from the way many newer bibles translate “fornication.” Fornication is a more clearly defined word. In Bibles such as the N.I.V. what should be translated “fornication”, is instead translated “sexual immorality.” You may say what is the difference? The difference is that “sexual immorality” is, in the eyes of some open to interpretation. This leaves them “wiggle room” and invites loose standards, contrary to the more “cut and dry” definition of fornication. This is one of the examples of how modern Bible translations are deceiving Christians, and preparing them for a fuller acceptance of antichrist doctrine.

A Defense

I now will address some of the objections to the fact that these four commands are still binding upon Christians. I realize that the majority of commentaries say that the commands to abstain from blood and things strangled do not apply to us today. However, their reasoning for attaining that conclusion is reached using false premises. Often they reason that eating blood is only mentioned because it related to Idolatry. Often they reason that these four things were more offensive to jews than anything else so these were the necessary things for the gentiles to abstain from to be acceptable in the sight of the jews. This I consider most absurd, if that was true I’m sure eating swine’s flesh would also be on the list. Rather, these four things do not reflect jewish ceremonial law, but basic commands which God desires all men to follow. Often they reason that since abstaining from blood is not mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament, that it was only a temporary command and no longer applies. It should be observed that these reasons are not given in scripture, and that a reason is given in scripture. The reason given is “it seems good to the Holy Ghost” and “these necessary things.” Nowhere in the New Testament are these commands spoken of as being nullified. I am fully aware of verses such as Mark 7:15, Matthew 15:11, and Romans 14:17. I agree with these verses entirely. If someone slips some blood into my meat and I consume it unawares I know that I shall be forgiven in the same way I am forgiven for any other accidental sin. Another principle taught by both Paul and our Lord Jesus Christ is that we are not to be overly concerned with fleshly things, for in so doing we neglect the spiritual things which are of far more importance. The command to abstain from blood remains in effect if we are to believe the scriptures, for they give us no word otherwise. We should desire to obey all things God commands because of our love for Him.

Also see the following quote and the links below for more on this subject;

"There was room for no other conclusion than the one which James deduced, that they should impose on the Gentiles, so far as the class of restrictions under consideration were concerned, only those necessary things which were necessary independent of the Mosaic law. Idolatry, with all the pollutions connected with it, was known to be sinful before the law of Moses was given; and so was fornication. The eating of blood, and, by implication, of strangled animals, whose blood was still in them, was forbidden to the whole world in the family of Noah. Gen. ix. 4. In the restrictions here proposed by James, therefore, there is not the slightest extension of the law of Moses, but a mere enforcement upon the Gentiles of rules of conduct which had ever been binding, and were to be perpetual. They are as binding to-day as they were then. To deny this would be to despise the combined authority of all the apostles, when enjoining upon the Gentile world, of which we form a part, restrictions which they pronounce necessary."

- J. W. McGarvey from

http://www.ccel.org/ccel/mcgarvey/acts.ch15.html

also see

http://www.simplebiblestudies.com/Qeatblood.htm

Jehovah’s Witnesses: The Cult Whose Name Is A Misnomer

Part II: The Arguments

Christ is Jehovah

Old testament prophesies such as Zechariah 12:1-10 and Jeremiah 23:5-6 equate Jehovah to Christ. We see that Isaiah 53:12 is fulfilled in Luke 22:37 - here we see that Christ was numbered among the transgressors, though he himself was without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ, being God even had the power to forgive sins (Matthew 9:2). We see Psalm 78:1-2 fulfilled in Matthew 13:34-35, in this example Jehovah God is also equated to Christ.

In Isaiah 43:11 and Hosea 13:4 we can see Jehovah declaring that beside him there is no Saviour. In John 4:42 and 1 John 4:14 we see that Christ Jesus is declared to be the Saviour. This is quite clear. The prophets said that there was no Saviour but God, yet the scriptures declare Christ as the only Saviour of the world, therefore Christ is God according to the Holy Scriptures.

If Christ was not God, he could not have been without sin, and he would not have been worthy to be a sacrifice for us (1 Peter 1:19).

In 1 Peter 1:21 we see that God raised Jesus from the dead, and in John 10:17-18 we see Jesus declaring that he will raise himself from the dead. This is not a contradiction, but it attests to the fact that Christ was God in the flesh. Again, if Christ was a liar he could not have done what he did.

In Exodus 3:13-15 we see that “I AM” and “Jehovah” are the same individual. In John 8:58 Jesus identified himself as “I AM.”

Psalm 34:8 is quoted in 1 Peter 2:3 - “Taste that the Lord is good.” Here again Christ is equated to Jehovah, because in Psalm 34:8 the LORD is Jehovah, and in 1 Peter 2:3 the Lord is Christ.

In Isaiah 44:6 and Revelation 1:8-18, especially verses 17-18 we can see that both Jehovah and Jesus Christ are one in the same. For they both say “I am the first, and I am the last.”

“Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.” - Isaiah 44:6

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs werewhite like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance wasas the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” - Revelation 1:8-18

In John 5:22-23 we read - “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgement unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which sent him.” (also see John 9:36-38)

In John 10:30 the Lord Jesus said “I and my Father are one.”

In Isaiah 9:6-7 we see that some names for God the Son - Jesus Christ - are the same as those used for God the Father (such as “mighty God” and “everlasting Father”).

Regarding the Holy Ghost - we can see that he is also described as God in Acts 5:3-4, as well as in Matthew 28:19, 1 John 5:7, 2 Corinthians 13:14, etcetera.

A god?

In Exodus 20:3-5, 34:14, Deuteronomy 4:24, etcetera, we can see clearly that God is a jealous God. He does not tolerate any other who claims to be God. If Jesus was not God in the flesh as he claimed and as the scriptures teach, then he could not have done what he did, nor wrought the Salvation upon us by his death as he has done.

“I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” - Isaiah 42:8

In the beginning of John chapter 1 we can see that Christ was with the Father in the beginning, and that it was by Christ that the earth and that which is therein was created (also see Colossians 1:16-17). This is why God said “let us make man in our image…” - “our” refers to the Godhead or Trinity (Genesis 1:26).

Another belief that these particular (and I suppose all) JW’s espoused is that there are many gods. This is perhaps best exampled by their corrupt Bible translation which reads the “Word was a god” in John 1:1 instead of the “Word was God.” The “Word” in John chapter one clearly refers to and is the Lord Jesus Christ, as can be seen by reading the whole of John chapter one (as well as 1 John 5:7, John 8:12, 9:5 and other verses). Since JW’s worship idols (a god of their imagination), it is fitting that they believe in many gods. However, as Christians there are two portions of scripture which help to make this clear.

In 1 Corinthians 8:5-6 we can see that many have idols who are their gods. We also see that to us there is but one God.

“For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” - 1 Corinthians 8:5-6

In Isaiah 43:10 we read this verse which I also shared with those JW’s who came to my door -

“Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.”

The false prophets and their false prophesies

“For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” - Matthew 12:37

The words of scripture themselves are enough to know that the JW’s are a antichristian organization. However, further insights, as to how deceived they really are, can be gained by judging the words of there own mouth according to the Holy Scriptures. Old copies of the Watchtower magazine are filled with clear and damning evidence, and they are a clear witness to all men of the fallaciousness of this cult which calls itself by a Christian name. I am not going to go into detail on every example, but will merely point out some references for those who seek proof of that which I speak. In the Watchtower Magazine, April 1, 1972, p197 it is claimed that Jehovah’s Witnesses are prophets - and it is true, they are prophets - false prophets. An example of their false prophecies can be seen in the works of their false prophets such as Joseph F. Rutherford and Charles Taze Russell. For example see page 101 of “The Time is at Hand” (1888) by Charles Russell, see page 485 of “The Finished Mystery” (1917) by Joseph Rutherford, also see his book “Millions now living will never die” (1920), see the old magazines published and copyrighted by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. See the Watchtower magazines of the 1920’s, and see page 23 of the “Awake” magazine of October 8, 1968 which is copyrighted by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, see page 226 of the “Zion’s Watchtower” magazine from July 15, 1894, see the old issues of the “Golden Age” the “Consolation” and the “Awake” magazines which are copyrighted by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. There could be more listed, but a review of the above will show plainly the false prophesies supported by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society and those who call themselves Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The New World Translation: A Corrupt Bible

Perhaps the biggest mistakes in the New World Translation stem from the fact that the Greek text primarily used for its translation of the New Testament is “The New Testament in the Original Greek” published by Westcott and Hort.* This is the same problem with nearly all modern Bible translations. It is really a wonder that so many are deceived into believing that the Westcott and Hort Greek has any accuracy whatsoever. To make a long story short Westcott and Hort were supporters of the Roman Catholic Church, and neither of them believed in the inspiration of scripture. This can be seen by those who have eyes to see upon reading the following books; “Life and Letters of Fenton John Anthony Hort” Volume I by Anthony Hort, published by Macmillan and Co. LTD. 1896, and “Life and Letters of Brooke Foss Westcott” Volume I by Arthur Westcott, published by Macmillan and Co. LTD. 1903. Upon reading these books and discovering who Westcott and Hort were, it is almost unbelievable, that in the present day, so many professing Christians are still deceived by them. This can only be evidence of the spirit of antichrist at work today.

The other, perhaps larger evidence of the corruption of the Westcott and Hort text, can be known by carefully comparing the Bibles translated from their text with Bibles translated from the preserved text (such as the KJV and the Geneva). Ask these questions; Which Bible gives more glory to God? Which Bible supports Christian doctrine?

For example, Westcott and Hort remove 1 John 5:7. Jehovah’s Witnesses are benefited by this fact, for without 1 John 5:7 it is much easier for them to deny Christ, and negate him to a position lower than that which the scriptures teach.

Antichrists

Seeing then that Jehovah’s Witnesses are antichrists it is important to remember what the scriptures say of them in 2 John 1:7-11. Furthermore, we can see that without Papist supporters (Westcott and Hort), of that Romish Whore, that the Jehovah’s Witnesses cult would be much less supported. Is it any wonder that these antichrists are supported by a greater antichrist, The Pope and his false church, which has shed the blood of the saints of God, and continues to deceive the world and to ensnare men with false teachings and pleasant words, entrapping them with damnation?

But Let Us Trust In Christ Alone, For He Is The Victory That Overcomes The World!

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” – 1 John 5:4-5

Faith Is The Victory

In Christ Alone

Also see a related Post > The Godhead (Holy Trinity)

*According to the introduction of the New World Translation, 1984 edition, published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, INC., International Bible Students Association, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.

**Note that there are many other errors in the Jehovah's Witnesses theology that are not even mentioned here. For more info see the links below.

Jehovah's Witnesses Cult

http://www.chick.com/information/religions/jw/

Jehovah’s Witnesses: The Cult Whose Name Is A Misnomer

Part I: The Story

One Tuesday in the late morning I returned home from running some errands. Shortly thereafter, there was someone at my door, two middle aged ladies. I opened the door and stood in the doorway as I talked with them. I suspected right away that they were Jehovah’s Witnesses, or so they call themselves, but it is really a misnomer since they do not even know who Jehovah is, seeing that they deny his own words. I quickly saw that they were carrying a New World Translation of the Bible, confirming my suspicions. I thought “O what a great opportunity to witness, God brought these people to my door.”

Before they could say much I first pointed out something upon which we agreed - that neither of us celebrates the unbiblical pagan holidays. I then said that the biggest problem I have with JW’s is that they don’t believe in the deity of Christ (or of the Holy Ghost). I pointed out Isaiah 40:3 and I said that I believe that this is a prophecy of Christ’s coming. The one lady said she agreed that it was, and I told her that Christ is Jehovah. (In the Greek, as well as in the New World Translation, the word LORD in the KJV is actually “Jehovah”) Here she disagreed, but we know that Christ is Jehovah because this prophecy was fulfilled by Christ in Matthew 3:3. John the Baptist was the one preparing the way for Jehovah. John the Baptist was the one who prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ. We then discussed some other verses as well.

Both I and the one lady did a fair amount of talking, perhaps she more, I tried to give them a copy of “The Crisis” by Jack T. Chick but she would not take it. I did say that I admired the fact that they went door to door (it’s a Biblical way to get converts). I basically said that I was not prepared to talk to them anymore because I did not have any other Bible references ready to discuss. I think she thought she was getting to me with her false teachings, and so she invited herself back, and we agreed to begin again next Tuesday morning sometime between 11:00 and 11:30.

The next Tuesday morning I woke up shortly after 6:00 and put together three pages of notes, mostly verses, and dug up lots of information on the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Westcott and Hort of whose Greek version of the New Testament the JW’s used for their Bible Translation. I also compared some verses between their Bible and ours.

I just knew they were going to come early, and so I gathered all my materials together, my Bible, their Bible, printouts of embarrassing (to them) pages from old watchtower magazines, and my three pages of notes.

I walked out on the porch at 10:45 and planned to wait for them, but no waiting did I. Nearly as soon as I walked out they came, and we began. This time the lead lady brought a different sidekick - an elderly woman. Perhaps I’m a suspicious person, but I believe here that I’m dealing with the devil, and we know his subtle tricks. She came early in an effort to catch me unawares, and she brought with her an old lady to calm my demeanor and arouse sympathy. After all, who would dare criticize a sweet old lady?

Now it is very important to speak gently and recognize verbally when they are correct. Most likely these ladies were well meaning. However, this cannot hold you back from speaking the truth, because Hell is a reality which we can’t suppose men avoid by any means other than that described in and by the word of God. They were pleased to see my copy of their Bible. I did complement on a few of the good features it has, because, after all God’s name is Jehovah, and I don’t think there is anything wrong with translating it for what it is. Before they could say much we immediately got into sharing verses which prove the deity of Christ, and of the Holy Ghost (not what she wanted to talk about). When I mentioned John 10:30 she says “Yes, but what kind of oneness is that?” Very tricky indeed she is. At one point I said “Did you know that the people who write the Watchtower magazine claim to be prophets?” She said “No they don’t.” I said “O really?” I then walked over to the porch step, lifted up the NWT Bible I had setting there and pulled out a copy of an old watchtower magazine and said that in this watchtower issue from 1972 they claim just that. She wrote down the issue date and page and said she would look it up to check it out. I also pointed out that if you read the old watchtower magazines from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s that there are a lot of prophesies that never came true, and that the whole Jehovah’s Witness movement, if you will allow me to call it that, was began by false prophets. I pointed out that the Bible defines false prophets as those who make predictions which fail to come to pass (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). She agreed that that was the right definition of a false prophet. She also made this strange statement; she said that they (JW’s) do not consider those who are “spirit anointed to be divinely inspired.” So I said “So first you say that they do not claim to be prophets, and then when I show you that they do you say that those who are spirit anointed are not considered divinely inspired, it sounds to me like you are saying that the divinely inspired are not divinely inspired, as if they cannot be held accountable for what they say?” She did not have much of a response to that.

Then I finally got around to 1 John 5:7. I said that “I think part of the problem here is your translation.” I said “I know this verse isn’t in your Bible but I’m going to read it for you anyhow.” She says “I know what it says.” Then I read it “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” She said “That’s a spurious verse.” I said “O really, do you know anything about how your Bible was translated?” She said “well it was translated from the best copies of the originals.” I said “well that’s what you’ve been told.” I said “do you know what Greek text was primarily used for the translation of your Bible’s New Testament?” She did not know. I said that “the Greek text used was the one put together by Westcott and Hort, do you know who they were?” She did not know. I said “they supported the Roman Catholic Church.” She said “well everyone did, but there were those who knew the truth.” I said “did you know that these people did not even believe that the scripture was inspired, and you trust them to put a text together?” I said “did you know that these people based their text off two or three percent of the copies of scripture that were in existence?* And that they disregarded the majority of scripture. Just because the copies they chose may have been older, it does not mean that they were original.”

We also discussed John chapter 1 which their Bible badly mistranslates, as well as some other verses. I noticed her looking at her watch. She tried to get onto another subject, but I would not let her, and then I mentioned the fact that she was denying Christ for her failure to accept his divinity. She again tried to move onto another subject and I said “Well it is time for you to go,” and I motioned and pointed with my hand toward their van. She said “Hans you did this on purpose!” She tried to talk some more and I said “We have nothing else to talk about, because you deny Christ." I pointed to her van and said “You can leave now.” She said “well you read such and such a verse.” And I said “and you can read 2 John 1:7-11, and then you’ll know why I don’t let you in the house.” As they began to walk away I said “I pray you repent.” And I spent some time praying for them shortly thereafter.

Some explanations of this account

There were more details to our discussion/debate than I have written above, since writing every detail would be too time consuming. I have also written it as I remember, and it is possible that some of it is out of order or paraphrased. You can read Part II (the meat of the argument), which includes references for the facts shared in this account, as well as more arguments against the Jehovah’s Witness cult. When she said “Hans you did this on purpose!” I assume she was referring to the fact that I had planned for them to come back so that I could witness to them, and to the fact that I never let her get on to any other subject but that Glorious subject of our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that it would have been an insult to God to let her speak a word after failing to recognize Christ in such a way as she did. Further, if she could not recognize Christ, I found it doubtful that she would be able to recognize anything else. You can't move on in Christian theology with people who do not even believe in something so basic as our Lord Jesus Christ.

Also see a related Post > The Godhead (Holy Trinity)