Why should a Jehovah's Witness consider becoming a Christian?
Both Evangelical Christians and Jehovah's Witnesses agree that the Bible is an important and authoritative book regarding how to spend eternity with God (or Jehovah). According to the Bible, how does a person receive eternal life?In the Jehovah's Witness New World Translation Acts 4:12 reads, "Furthermore, there is no salvation in anyone else, for there is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." This passage, speaking of Jesus, makes it clear that He is the only One who can provide eternal life.
How can we be saved through Jesus Christ? John 3:16 in the New World Translation reads, "For God loved the world so much that he gave his only‐begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." This verse makes two facts clear. First, Jesus offers everlasting life. Second, this everlasting life comes from exercising faith.
What does it mean to exercise faith in Jesus Christ? This is where the teachings of the Watchtower differ from historic, biblical Christianity. According to the Watchtower, faith requires certain works. In fact, service with the Jehovah's Witnesses requires many works, ranging from weekly meetings and studies to volunteer hours in mission work in the community or other places around the world. But are the works the Watchtower requires "enough faith" to spend eternity with Jehovah? How can a person ever know?
According to the Watchtower, no one can know for certain if he or she will spend eternity with Jehovah based on his or her works. But the Bible provides assurance of salvation based on God's grace through faith—not our works. Ephesians 2:8-9 in the New World Translation teaches, "By this undeserved kindness, indeed, YOU have been saved through faith; and this not owing to YOU, it is God's gift—No, it is not owing to works, in order that no man should have ground for boasting." The phrase "undeserved kindness" is typically translated "grace" and refers to God providing eternal life as a gift. Salvation is received, not earned. We only need to believe in Jesus by faith.
But what must we believe about Jesus to receive eternal life? Romans 10:9 teaches, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Receiving eternal life involves declaring Jesus is Lord—He was not created by Jehovah; Jesus is the eternal Son of God. It also includes believing God the Father raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus did not rise only as a spirit being as the Watchtower teaches; He literally, physically returned to life. This is clear by the reactions of the disciples (Luke 24:36-39) and the fact that Jesus told His disciples to touch Him and also ate fish in their presence (Luke 24:39-42).
Do you want place your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and receive this free gift of eternal life? If so, you can do it right now. Just as salvation is not about works, there is also no special prayer to be saved. All you must do is confess your need for Jesus and His sufficiency for you. If you would like a sample prayer, you can use the one below:
"Dear God, I realize I am a sinner and could never reach heaven by my own good deeds. Right now I place my faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who lived a sinless life, died, and rose from the dead to give me eternal life. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live for you. Thank you for accepting me and giving me eternal life."
Have you made a decision for Christ because of what you have read here? If so, please click on the "I have accepted Christ today" button below.
What do the Jehovah's Witnesses believe? Who are the Jehovah's Witnesses?
What is the importance of the supremacy of Christ? What is the supremacy of Christ?
How can a believer have assurance of salvation?
How is salvation a gift from God?
Is salvation by faith or works or both?
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