What is the key to witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses?

Understanding the Core Issue

Jehovah’s Witnesses hold to unique interpretations of Scripture, especially regarding the identity of Jesus and the nature of salvation. The key to meaningful dialogue involves grounding every discussion in the biblical text and focusing on the central doctrines of the deity of Christ, His bodily resurrection, and salvation by grace. As it is written, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Establishing who Jesus truly is according to Scripture and addressing the differences between translations can open the door to more fruitful conversations.

Approach with Compassion and Respect

It is essential to approach each conversation with genuine respect and love. Authentic dialogue begins with listening. Ask sincere questions about their beliefs, and then respond gently using passages from the Berean Standard Bible. Note the apostolic command: “Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but respond with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). This respectful tone can help foster trust and reduce defensiveness.

Establishing Scriptural Authority

1. Point to a Reliable Text: Many Jehovah’s Witnesses rely on their organization’s translation, the New World Translation, which handles certain verses about Christ’s deity in ways most Greek scholars dispute. A sound strategy is to show how older Greek manuscripts and consistent historical evidence (including fragments such as the John Rylands Papyrus, dated around AD 125–150) affirm the reading found in established Bible translations, including the Berean Standard Bible.

2. Highlight the Unity of Scripture: Emphasize that the 66 books of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation form a cohesive testimony. The Dead Sea Scrolls (discovered in 1947) confirm the remarkable consistency of the Old Testament text. Such evidence underscores the reliability of Scripture and its unchanging message that Yahweh is the living Creator.

Affirming the Deity of Christ

1. John 1:1 and the Nature of Jesus: Show that, in the berean translation, John 1:1 reads: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The grammar of the original Greek supports this translation. Biblical scholars across centuries have noted that this verse ascribes full deity to Jesus.

2. References to Worship: Point to passages where Jesus is worshiped. For instance, after Jesus walked on water and stilled the storm, the disciples worshiped Him: “Truly You are the Son of God!” (Matthew 14:33). Acts 10:25–26 and Revelation 22:8–9 forbid worship of anyone but God, indicating that Jesus’s reception of worship shows His divine status.

3. Jesus’ Identification as “I AM”: In John 8:58, Jesus declares, “Before Abraham was born, I am!”—echoing the divine declaration in Exodus 3:14. In many Jehovah’s Witness doctrinal teachings, this statement is glossed differently, yet the immediate anger of the Jewish audience (John 8:59) indicates they understood Jesus to be claiming deity.

Demonstrating the Personhood of the Holy Spirit

Jehovah’s Witnesses often regard the Holy Spirit as an impersonal force. Yet Scripture presents the Holy Spirit grieving (Ephesians 4:30), teaching (John 14:26), guiding (Romans 8:14), and speaking (Acts 13:2). These actions reflect personhood rather than a mere force. Emphasize how the Holy Spirit’s active role in conviction and sanctification reveals a personal dimension within the triune nature of God.

Explaining Salvation by Grace

Jehovah’s Witnesses commonly believe that salvation involves works in conjunction with faith, often placing organizational demands as part of the requirement. But Scripture proclaims, “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). Emphasize the biblical teaching that our salvation rests entirely on the completed work of Christ, not on human effort or organizational affiliation.

Clarifying the Bodily Resurrection

1. Central to the Gospel: The bodily resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of faith (1 Corinthians 15:14). Many Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in a spiritual or non-physical resurrection. However, the Gospels testify that the risen Christ ate with His disciples (Luke 24:42–43) and invited Thomas to touch His wounds (John 20:27), demonstrating a physical resurrection body.

2. Historical and Archaeological Corroborations: Recent studies in archaeology and ancient histories note that early Christian testimonies (Josephus, Tacitus, and others) confirm Jesus’ crucifixion and the rapid growth of a movement proclaiming His resurrection. Scholars possessing advanced manuscript knowledge (like those examining the early papyri) verify that the original accounts speak of a literal, bodily event.

Overcoming Common Objections

1. Allegations of Scripture Corruption: Many Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught that widespread corruption crept into most translations. Yet the over 5,800 Greek New Testament manuscripts, plus the Dead Sea Scrolls and other ancient records, consistently reinforce the stability of the biblical text. Notable scholars who have studied the earliest manuscripts confirm minimal variants that do not detract from major doctrines.

2. Misinterpretation of End Times Predictions: Jehovah’s Witnesses’ organizational history includes various date predictions that did not come to fruition. Lovingly point them to Jesus’ teaching that no one knows the day or hour (Matthew 24:36), and emphasize that our focus should remain on worshiping God in spirit and truth (John 4:24).

3. Emphasis on Organizational Loyalty: Jehovah’s Witnesses typically elevate the Watch Tower Society’s interpretations as binding. Grace-filled conversations can highlight that Scripture alone is the highest authority under God. Remind them: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction” (2 Timothy 3:16), without needing additional extra-biblical organizational dictates.

Practical Steps in Conversation

1. Start with Common Beliefs: Recognize shared views, such as the importance of God’s Word and moral living. This can set a positive tone.

2. Ask Guiding Questions: Instead of making immediate direct challenges, ask how they understand a key verse like John 20:28, where Thomas calls Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” Encourage them to reconcile this statement with their belief system.

3. Focus on Key Doctrines: Gently steer discussions to crucial subjects—Jesus’ identity, the resurrection, and salvation by grace. Avoid getting lost in secondary or peripheral debates.

4. Encourage Direct Bible Study: Invite them to compare passages in the Berean Standard Bible and other reliable translations. Consistent cross-referencing often reveals the reliability and clarity of Scripture’s doctrinal affirmations.

5. Offer Historical and Archaeological Evidences: Point out that biblical claims align with archaeological discoveries (e.g., the ruins of Jericho and references to the house of David in inscriptions such as the Tel Dan Stele). Show how such findings support the Bible’s historical veracity, thereby reinforcing confidence in its teachings on Christ’s deity and resurrection.

6. Pray for Insight: Pray that the Holy Spirit will give clarity. As Scripture assures: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God” (James 1:5). Rely on His guidance, trusting He can soften hearts and open minds.

Concluding Emphasis

The ultimate key to witnessing to Jehovah’s Witnesses is to lovingly and respectfully direct their focus back to the full testimony of Scripture—particularly the person and work of Jesus Christ. Emphasize His divine nature, bodily resurrection, and the gift of salvation by grace. Show them evidence from reliable biblical manuscripts, historical testimonies, and archaeological findings that corroborate Scripture’s authenticity. Above all, pray earnestly, remain patient in conversation, and keep the door open for the Holy Spirit to illuminate their hearts with the truth of the risen Lord.