Does the Bible Teach Jesus Is the Eternal Uncreated God?
(The following is an open letter to Jehovah Witnesses which also applies to anyone who denies that the historical Jesus Christ of the Bible is the eternal uncreated God)
Let's talk about the finest of things, God. Who is God? Some say God does not exist. HAH! Who is Jesus Christ? Some say Jesus Christ never existed. HAH! Others say Jesus Christ was just a good teacher or just a prophet. Mormons believe Jesus is Lucifer's brother, just one of many human beings that became a god through good works and that if you work hard enough you can become a god too. Who is the Holy Spirit? What is the gospel? Many people say that it is up to each individual to personally decide what is true about these things. That's not how it works and I know you don't believe this.
I've spent over 35 hours organizing this free and honest Bible study for you, studying the Greek text and reading the New World "translation" on jw.org. Why? I believe many of you have respect for the Bible and are eager to learn the truth. I don't want you to be deceived. God's word says that most people are deceived, even including many who claim to be in the same faith. This is out of love. I trust that you will really read this whole letter and not just skim through it. I trust that you will learn what God says in His word (not what other people claim that God says). The verses that I quote are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB). The NASB is a reliable literal translation of the scriptures from their original language to English. Regardless, for key words I show you the meaning of the original Greek language.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2 tells us we need to hold fast to the true gospel, "unless you believed in vain." In the first century, out of his deep concern the Apostle Paul warned the early church to not "as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness," be "led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." He says to lookout "For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached," Paul says, do not "receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted," (2 Corinthians 11) This is because there were many false followers, false teachers, false prophets, false christs, and false gospels before then, circulating around at that time, and to come in the future. In fact, not too long ago two women knocked on my door who believe Jesus Christ was a Korean man who died in the 1980’s. They also believe that this man’s second wife, still living, is the true uncreated eternal God. This same organization claims to be rooted in the Bible as their authority.
Galatians 1:6-10 warns, "I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ."
1 John 4:1 instructs us, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
People can talk all day about what they think, what they like, and what they’ve learned, but what is really the truth? John 8:31-32 reads, "So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, 'If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.'" Let's do some testing here by way of using God's own word, the Bible. Let’s allow His truth to free us.
TRINITY:
Do you have a commonly held false view of the Trinity? I know you don't believe the Trinity, but what view of the Trinity is it that you reject? Christians historically have never believed that Jesus is the Father, that Jesus is the Holy Spirit, that the Father is Jesus, that the Father is the Holy Spirit, that the Holy Spirit is Jesus and that the Holy Spirit is the Father. That view is called Modalism (*I've included more information about that teaching so you can distinguish the two different views)
In short, a modalist views God as one Person instead of three Persons and believes that the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit are simply different masks of the same divine Person. Christians reject this view. This is not the biblical Trinity that Christians believe and teach. If one who claims to be a Christian says otherwise, consider that person not a true Christian. Jesus warned us about false converts and I was once one myself. If someone came to you and said, “I'm a Jehovah's Witness and I believe that Jesus IS NOT Michael the archangel.” you would not consider him to be a Jehovah's Witness, and correctly so.
Christians believe there is only one God. The one being of God is shared by three co-eternal and co-equal Persons: the Father (Jehovah), the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Jesus is not the Father, Jesus is not the Holy Spirit, the Father is not Jesus, the Father is not the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit is not Jesus, the Holy Spirit is not the Father. There are three distinct Persons within the one being of God. They have existed in relationship for all eternity. They do however have different functions in the sense of what they do, but are they less than God? No. This is hard to totally fully understand 100%, but does that make it untrue? Not according to the Bible. Our limited minds are lesser than the mind of God. We can’t fully understand everything about God and what He does.
In response to one who would want to change the Bible (I’m not saying that is you. I hope you don’t want to change the Bible), I agree with this statement:
"I believe this because I believe the Bible. I believe the Bible to such an extent that I have to accept everything it says even if I can't explain it. You believe that you can only believe what you can explain. And if you can't explain it [you believe that] the scriptures must not be saying it so you throw it out, or twist, or change some of the texts of scripture to fit your reasoning. You can't do that.
I am and must be submitted as a slave to scripture. I must submit my intellect to scripture. If scripture says that there is one God but scripture attributes diety to 3 persons equally to the Father (Jehovah), Son (Jesus Christ), Holy Spirit I must accept that truth even if I can't explain it. You can't explain it so you change the text. I can't do that. We need to be disciplined in the word, not man-made religion." -Dr. James White
(*I've included more information about the Trinity, but here I would like to focus on who Jesus Christ is.)
JESUS IS GOD:
“Will the real Jesus please stand up?!” In other words, there are many conflicting and fictitious characters that claim to be the real Jesus, but who is Jesus Christ revealed in the Holy Bible? He is not just a prophet. He is not Michael the archangel, "god-like", or "a god". Jesus Christ was not created. Jesus Christ is the eternal God, creator of all. Don't take my word for it. Let's examine the scriptures.
Hebrews 1:3 tells us Jesus Christ is the same nature of the Father, "And He [Jesus Christ] is the radiance of His [Jehovah’s] glory and the exact representation of His [Jehovah’s] nature, and upholds all things by the word of His [Jesus Christ’s] power. When He [Jesus Christ] had made purification of sins, He [Jesus Christ] sat down at the right hand of the Majesty [Jehovah] on high,"
Hebrews 1:6 teaches us, "And when He [Jehovah] again brings the firstborn [Jesus Christ] (The Greek word used here for firstborn is πρωτότοκος, pronounced in English as prōtotokos. [1] the word refers to birth order—in the first century, this signifies rank, or status. A synonym authors often used in its place is pronounced in English as prōtogonos, meaning “first in rank.” Here Paul may be referring to Jesus’ rank as head of creation, Jesus being the “first” eternal, divine being made flesh and born into the created order. Jesus is the preeminent one over all things who entered into the created world (Hebrews 1:6, Revelation 22:8-9). [2] The phrase “firstborn of the dead” occurs twice (Colossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5), alluding to the significance of Jesus’ resurrection, not the timing of the resurrection. [3] The term also functioned as a national designation for Israel as the object of God’s special favor (Exodus 4:22), or blessing) into the world, He [Jehovah] says, 'And let all (The Greek word used here for let all is πάντες, pronounced in English as pantes, which means all, the whole, every kind of) the angels of God worship (The Greek word used here for worship is προσκυνησάτωσαν, pronounced in English as proskynēsatōsan, which means to worship, crouch to, i.e. prostrate oneself in homage, to praise, to reverence, to show adoration) Him [Jesus Christ].'" (Will share more about Hebrews 1 here later)
Let's read more. Hebrews 1:7-8 says, "And of the angels He [Jehovah] says, 'Who makes His angels winds, And His ministers a flame of fire.' But of the Son [Jesus Christ] He [Jehovah] says, 'Your throne, O God, (The Greek word used here for God is Θεὸς, pronounced in English as Theos, which means THE supreme Divinity, THE God) is forever and ever, And the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom.'"
"The hierarchy of heavenly beings is made clear in this passage—angels worship Jesus who, as God, is alone worthy of worship. No angel is ever worshipped in Scripture; therefore, Jesus (worthy of worship) cannot be Michael or any other angel (not worthy of worship). The angels are called sons of God (Genesis 6:2-4; Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7), but Jesus is THE Son of God (Hebrews 1:8; Matthew 4:3-6).
Michael the archangel is perhaps the highest of all the angels. Michael is the only angel in the Bible who is designated 'the archangel' (Jude verse 9). Michael the archangel, though, is only an angel. He is not God. The clear distinction in the power and authority of Michael and Jesus can be seen in comparing Matthew 4:10 where Jesus rebukes Satan, and Jude verse 9, where Michael the archangel 'dared not bring a judgment of blasphemy' against Satan and calls on the Lord to rebuke him. Jesus is God incarnate (John 1:1, 14). Michael the archangel is a powerful angel, but still only an angel."
Article: Is Jesus Michael the archangel?
https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-Michael-Archangel.html
After Jesus Christ healed the blind man, John 9:35-38 says, "Jesus heard that they had put him out, and finding him, He said, 'Do you believe in the Son of Man?' He answered, 'Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?' Jesus said to him, 'You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you.' And he said, 'Lord, I believe.' And he worshiped (The Greek word used here for he worshiped is προσεκύνησεν, pronounced in English as prosekynēsen, which means to worship, crouch to, i.e. prostrate oneself in homage, to praise, to reverence, to show adoration) Him [Jesus Christ]."
Luke 4:8 says, "Jesus answered him, 'It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.'" Then we read in John 20:26-29 "After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, 'Peace be with you.' Then He said to Thomas, 'Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.' Thomas answered and said to Him, 'My Lord (The Greek word used here for Lord is Κύριός, pronounced in English as Kyrios, which means supreme in authority, i.e. controller; Master) and my God!' (The Greek word used here for God is Θεός, pronounced in English as Theos, which means the supreme Divinity, THE God) Jesus said to him, 'Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.'" Here Jesus is worshiped, and He is worshiped because He is God.
God says in Isaiah 42:8, "I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images." but Jesus Christ says in John 17:5, "Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was." Here Jesus Christ is sharing the same glory as Jehovah, which Jehovah says He shares with no one else.
Speaking of Jesus, Isaiah 9:6 reveals, "For a child [Jesus Christ] will be born to us, a son [Jesus Christ] will be given to us; And the government will rest on His [Jesus Christ’s] shoulders; And His [Jesus Christ’s] name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, (The Hebrew word used here for God here is אֵ֣ל, pronounced in English as ’êl, which means THE Almighty God) Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."
Matthew 2:2
"Where is He [Jesus Christ] who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His [Jesus Christ's] star in the east and have come to worship (The Greek word used here for to worship is προσκυνῆσαι, pronounced in English as proskynēsai, which means to worship, crouch to, i.e. prostrate oneself in homage, to praise, to reverence, to show adoration) Him [Jesus Christ]"
Philippians 2:1-18 teaches us to be less like ourselves and more like Christ (be humble, do not be selfish, serve others, don't complain, put others before yourself, etc.). After all, the word "Christian" means "Christ Follower" Philippians 2:5-11 also teaches us, "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He [Jesus Christ] existed in the form of God, (The Greek word used here for God is Θεοῦ, pronounced in English as Theou, which means THE supreme Divinity, THE God) did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted (The Greek word used here for exalted is ὑπερύψωσεν, pronounced in English as hyperypsōsen, which means to elevate above others, i.e. Raise to the highest position) Him [Jesus Christ], and bestowed on Him [Jesus Christ] the name which is above every (The Greek word used here for all is πᾶν, in English pronounced as pan, which means all, the whole, any, every kind of.) name, so that at the name of Jesus every (The Greek word used here for all is πᾶν, in English pronounced as pan, which means all, the whole, any, every kind of.) knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Here we learn that Jesus Christ is the uncreated eternal God, the name of Jesus Christ is above all names, and this is to the glory of Jehovah.
Colossians 1:15-20 "He [Jesus Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn (The Greek word used here for firstborn is πρωτότοκος, pronounced in English as prōtotokos. [1] the word refers to birth order—in the first century, this signifies rank, or status. Authors often used in its place the synonym prōtogonos meaning “first in rank.” Here Paul may be referring to Jesus’ rank as head of creation, Jesus being the “first” eternal, divine being made flesh and born into the created order. Jesus is the preeminent one over all things who entered into the created world (Hebrews 1:6, Revelation 22:8-9). [2] The phrase “firstborn of the dead” occurs twice (Colossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5), alluding to the significance of Jesus’ resurrection, not the timing of the resurrection. [3] The term also functioned as a national designation for Israel as the object of God’s special favor (Exodus 4:22), or blessing) of all creation. For by Him [Jesus Christ] all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him [Jesus Christ] all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He [Jesus Christ] Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven." Unfortunately, the New World "translation" changes the meaning of "all things" to "all other things" which actually isn't in the Greek texts.
Jesus Christ says in John 10:17-18, “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father." Can anyone rightly say that they own their life? That their life is not from God? That they have ultimate authority and control over their own life? He can if He is God.
John 2:19-22 reads, "Jesus answered them, 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.' The Jews then said, 'It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?' But He was speaking of the temple of His body. So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken." Can a dead man raise himself to life again? This is a question I’ve heard Jehovah's Witnesses ask. If He is God He certainly can!
In the Old Testament, Jonah 2:9 says, "But I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay. Salvation is from the Lord [Jehovah]." and Isaiah 43:11 says, "I [Jehovah], even I [Jehovah], am the Lord, And there is no savior besides Me. [Jehovah]" Yet we are told throughout the New Testament that salvation is found in Jesus Christ (John 14:6, 1 Timothy 2:5, Acts 4:12, 1 Peter 2:4, 1 John 2:2, John 3:14–16, John 10:7, John 11:25, John 17:3, Luke 2:1, Acts 13:23, Titus 1:4).
Romans 9:5
"whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God (The Greek word used here for God is Θεὸς, pronounced in English as Theos, which means THE supreme Divinity, THE God) blessed forever. Amen."
Titus 2:13
"looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God (The Greek word used here for God is Θεοῦ, pronounced in English as Theou, which means THE supreme Divinity, THE God) and Savior, Christ Jesus,"
2 Peter 1:1
"Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God (The Greek word used here for God is Θεοῦ, pronounced in English as Theou, which means THE supreme Divinity, THE God) and Savior, Jesus Christ:"
Stephen was martyred because of his faith in Christ. In his death he prayed directly to Jesus Christ, clinging for salvation to Jesus Christ because Jesus Christ is God:
Acts 7:54-60 says, “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, 'Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.' But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!' Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them!' Having said this, he fell asleep."
Now let’s read Revelation. 1:1-8 says, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.
John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him [Jesus Christ] who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood— and He [Jesus Christ] has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him [Jesus Christ] be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, He [Jesus Christ] is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.
'I [Jesus Christ] am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, 'who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty (The Greek word used here for Almighty is Παντοκράτωρ, in English pronounced Pantokratōr, which means ruler of all, the all-ruling, THE God).’”
Revelation 1:17-18 (same chapter as the quote above) says, "When I saw Him [Jesus Christ], I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He [Jesus Christ] placed His right hand on me, saying, 'Do not be afraid; I [Jesus Christ] am the first and the last, and the living One; and I [Jesus Christ] was dead, (The Greek word used here for dead is νεκρὸς, pronounced in English as nekros, which means dead, lifeless, mortal, a dead body, a corpse.) and behold, I [Jesus Christ] am alive forevermore, and I [Jesus Christ] have the keys of death and of Hades.'" Who does the Bible specifically say is speaking here? Jesus Christ! Who was alive, then was dead, then became alive again? Jesus Christ!
Revelation 22:13-16 says, "I [Jesus Christ] am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying. I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star." Who does the Bible continually say is claiming to be the eternal uncreated God here? Jesus Christ! Wow!
Finally, let's go to the book of John. This is the very book that God used to open my eyes to see who Jesus Christ is, to see my need to remove my trust from being unwisely invested in myself, and then totally invest my trust in Jesus Christ. Wisdom comes from God, not me. I found this very helpful to share about interpreting the book of John:
"The first 18 verses of the Gospel of John, called The Prologue of John, is intended to function as the lens through which we read the rest of the Gospel. If we get the lens right, so much else of the gospel will come into much clearer and sharper focus. If we do not get the lens right, then you're going to be missing a lot of the important stuff that will come at a particular point. What we find in the prologue is something called "bookending", like book ends on a shelf to fill up the shelf and hold the books in place. Bookending is a literary technique where you start and end by presenting and repeating the same concepts but in different words and that creates a literary whole out of everything that is in-between."
Video: James White Talks about Witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses
This is because in the book of John the Greek word used for "Word" is Λόγος, pronounced in English as Logos, which means the topic, the subject, reasoning or motive, the Divine Expression. The writer of the book of John first made it clear that Jesus Christ is the topic of his writing. The purpose of the book is to teach us about His life on earth, particularly who He is.
John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word [Jesus Christ] (Λόγος, here's the topic), and the Word [Jesus Christ] (Λόγος,here's the topic) was with God, and the Word [Jesus Christ] (Λόγος, here's the topic) was God (The Greek word used here for God is Θεὸς, pronounced in English as Theos, which means THE supreme Divinity, THE God).” In the New World "translation" the word "God" is changed to "a god". I hear that this was done on the basis that in the original Greek there is no definite article here. I hear that if it were a definite article it would read as quoted above, "[THE] God", not "a god". However, there is no definite article when referring to Jehovah in John 1:18 which says, "No one has seen God at any time;" If we translate John 1:18 using the same method the New World "translation" uses for John 1:1, John 1:18 would also say, "No one has seen a god at any time;" Was Jehovah a created god too, like Jesus Christ was created? Who created Jehovah? Or, is the original text true? I believe the original text is true. (*I've included more information about the Watch Tower Society's "translation" of John 1:1 and the rest of the book of John in the article: Is the New World Translation a valid version of the Bible?)
John 1:18:
"No one has seen God (The Greek word used here for God is Θεὸς, pronounced in English as Theos, which means THE supreme Divinity, THE God) at any time; the only begotten God [Jesus Christ] (The Greek word used here for only begotten God is μονογενὴς, pronounced in English as monogenēs, which means THE only God, THE unique God, THE one-of-a-kind God) who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained (The Greek word used here for explained is ἐξηγήσατο, in English pronounced as exēgēsato, which means to show, declare, to become visible, to be seen) Him."
We just read in the Bible where it says no one has seen the one true God, but it tells us that Jesus Christ is the one true God and that humanity saw God when they saw Jesus. "And the Word [Jesus Christ] (here's the topic) (Remember, this is the very same “Word”, Λόγος, as John 1:1) became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw (The Greek word used here for we saw is ἐθεασάμεθα, pronounced in English as etheasametha, which means to look closely at, i.e. perceive; by extension to visit, to see) His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father [Jehovah], full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)
Remember, this is the very same “Word” the Greek language uses in John 1:14 (Λόγος,). The writer of John continually reminds us of what the book is all about: Jesus Christ. It's fascinating how Jesus Christ is the eternal, uncreated, creator God! Jesus Christ blows my mind and so He did to the minds of others when He walked the earth.
Check out what Jesus Christ said in John 14:1-6, "'Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.' Thomas said to Him, 'Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?' Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.'" and John 8:56-59, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.' So the Jews said to Him, 'You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?' Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.' Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.'"
This title of "I am" used by Jesus Christ to describe Himself is used by Jehovah to describe Himself in Exodus 3:14, "God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM'; and He said, 'Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'"
"If Jesus had merely wanted to say He existed before Abraham’s time, He would have said, 'Before Abraham, I was.' The Greek words translated 'was,' in the case of Abraham, and 'am,' in the case of Jesus, are quite different. The words chosen by the Spirit make it clear that Abraham was 'brought into being,' but Jesus existed eternally (see John 1:1). There is no doubt that the Jews understood what He was saying because they took up stones to kill Him for making Himself equal with God (John 5:18). Such a statement, if not true, was blasphemy and the punishment prescribed by the Mosaic Law was death (Leviticus 24:11–14). But Jesus committed no blasphemy; He was and is God, the second Person of the Godhead, equal to the Father in every way.
Jesus used the same phrase 'I AM' in seven declarations about Himself. In all seven, He combines I AM with tremendous metaphors which express His saving relationship toward the world. All appear in the book of John. They are 'I AM the Bread of Life' (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51); 'I AM the Light of the World' (John 8:12); 'I AM the Door of the Sheep' (John 10:7, 9); 'I AM the Good Shepherd' (John 10:11,14); 'I AM the Resurrection and the Life' (John 11:25); 'I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life' (John 14:6); and 'I AM the True Vine' (John 15:1, 5)."
Article: What did Jesus mean when He said 'I AM'?
https://www.gotquestions.org/I-AM.html
PERSONAL TESTIMONIES:
I'd like to share with you some encouragement from my brothers in Christ who are former Jehovah's Witnesses.
1 John 5:20 says, “And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life." (You could learn the Greek words here too, but you will find that this is what they mean. I know because I did it.)
John 1:12 says, "But as many as received Him [Jesus Christ], to them He [Jesus Christ] gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His [Jesus Christ's] name," This does not apply to the anointed Jehovah's Witnesses. It says that whoever receives and believes in Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:16 says, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God," In Jesus Christ you can have this for yourself!
Acts 16:30-33 says, "and after he brought them out, he said, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' They said, 'Believe (The Greek word for believe is Πίστευσον, pronounced in English as Pisteuson, which means to have faith, to entrust, to confide in, rely in) in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.' And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house. And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately (The Greek word used here for immediately is παραχρῆμα, pronounced in English as parachrēma, which means immediately, instantly, on the spot, without delay) he was baptized, he and all his household." Paul says "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved," You don't have to study on average for at least one year and answer on average over 80 questions to be a candidate for baptism. Today, rather than trusting in yourself or an organization, rather than trying to work to earn God's salvation, you can remove your trust from those things and simply "believe" in Jesus Christ. Then you can be baptized right away!
Isaiah 64:6 says, "For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away." You can exchange this futile pursuit where even your best works result in filthiness for the perfect righteousness of God provided only through Jesus Christ. You give Him your sin, He gives you His righteousness. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "He made Him [Jesus Christ] who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him [Jesus Christ]." (This is an amazing truth. There are countless other verses that clearly teach this but at this time I've only included this one verse for the sake of time and space.)
Ephesians 3:14-19 reads, "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell (The Greek word used here for may dwell is κατοικῆσαι, pronounced in English as katoikēsai, which means to dwell in, settle in, inhabit, reside, to house permanently, established in permanently) in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend (verb, aorist infinitive middle. The Greek word used here for comprehend is καταλαβέσθαι, pronounced in English as katalabesthai, which means to take eagerly, seize, possess) with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, (The Greek word used here for knowledge is γνώσεως, pronounced in English as gnōseōs, which means learned knowledge, doctrine, wisdom, intelligence through teaching and training) that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God." Through Christ dwelling in you, you can have all the fullness of God. This is based on a personal intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, not an organizational relationship, not 100 hours a month or 1,000 hours a year of doing door-to-door work, not how you treat the anointed class. It is the relationship where Jesus Christ comes and lives within you and God resides there permanently because Jesus Christ is God.
John 20:31
"but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His [Jesus Christ's] name."
Acts 4:12
"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."
As for myself personally, I just can't explain the joy of knowing Jesus Christ and His everlasting love. Nothing can compare to Him and the experience of being in an intimate relationship with God. The peace that Jesus Christ gives me when I worship Him as God is overwhelming. The comfort He gives is constant. I love being given the opportunity and ability to pray directly to God and see Him answer prayer.
For example, when I was feeling very discouraged I asked God to send someone to pray for me. At the time I was worn out from helping other people. Right after that prayer, I left to go to the skatepark. On my way, a brother in Christ walked up to me and asked, "Can I pray for you?" I had never seen this person. I dropped my scooter and backpack and listened to this man who had never met me pray for me about exactly what I was going through as tears rolled down my face. I can't think of a way that God could have been more clear. Then I continued on my way, refreshed and encouraged that Jesus Christ is the God who cares. In an uncertain world with many troubles, I know that I am safe in His hand and no one, including myself, could ever take me away from Him.
When I put my trust in Jesus Christ, He removed my old, inoperable, cold, heart of stone which hated God and gave me a new heart that desires to know God, worship God, and make God known. It's impossible to write down the value of Jesus Christ's perfect righteousness credited to me in exchange for all my unspeakable wretched sin, AND THE EXCHANGE WAS FREE!
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
This reality brings tears to my eyes and causes me to share the true and original glorious gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. I am no longer a slave to sin or religion, whether it be crafted by my own hands or the hands of another. I am a slave to Jesus Christ who makes me free! Now that I have His life in me, I live!
CONCLUSION:
Should you choose to place your trust in Christ rather than yourself or the Jehovah's Witness organization, they may forsake you but God will never leave you! Remember, Galatians 1:10 says, "For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ."
Jesus said in John 10:27-30, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one."
Romans 8:38-39
"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:28
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Jeremiah 29:11
"'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.'"
Deuteronomy 31:6
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."
Love,
Not a Jehovah's Witness, but a witness for Jehovah,
Joey Aria
FREE RESOURCES:
Study the Bible for Free (and in the Greek Language!):
Discover More Evidence of Jesus Christ's Deity in the Original Language of Scripture:
Was Jesus Created?
https://youtu.be/tYJ4E6HWCIw
What is the Gospel? (An In-Depth and Easy-to-Understand Study of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, According to the Bible)
Resources for General Questions About God and the Bible, Bible Studies & Theological Lectures, Christian Testimonies, Comparing Various Religions to Biblical Christianity:
https://www.defeatdeath.org/resources
Is the New World Translation a valid version of the Bible?
https://www.gotquestions.org/New-World-Translation.html
Is Jehovah the true name of God?
https://www.gotquestions.org/Jehovah.html
What is the name of God?
https://www.gotquestions.org/name-of-God.html
What is modalism / Modalistic Monarchianism?
https://www.gotquestions.org/Modalistic-Monarchianism.html
What does the Bible teach about the Trinity?
https://www.gotquestions.org/Trinity-Bible.html
Figuring out the “Firstborn” in Colossians 1:18
What does it mean that Jesus is God's only begotten son?
https://www.gotquestions.org/only-begotten-son.html
What is the meaning of "I AM WHO I AM" in Exodus 3:14?
https://www.gotquestions.org/I-AM-WHO-I-AM-Exodus-3-14.html