CHRISTIANS believe that salvation is by grace through faith and not as a result of works.

Indeed, this is the view set forth in the Bible at Ephesians 2:8-9 where it says:

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast.”

So, for a Christian, salvation is dependent upon our acceptance of Christ’s finished work at the Cross. But, this is not however what is taught by the Watch Tower Society.

For a Jehovah’s Witness the way of salvation has a different meaning. The Watch Tower book Aid to Bible Understanding on page 316 says:

"It is necessary that belief be demonstrated by works.”

But, in the very next instance they go on to say that salvation cannot be earned, but is a free gift.

Although this may sound familiar to Christians, it’s a shame the Watch Tower Society doesn’t mean what it says.

What the Watch Tower Society means by free gift is that Christ’s death only wiped away the sin inherited by Adam.

The Society teaches that without the work of atonement men could not work their way towards having a chance of salvation.

Yes, that’s right, for a Jehovah’s Witness salvation is not guaranteed, with the Society declaring that members may survive and live in Paradise on Earth forever.

More than Faith?

ACCORDING to the Watch Tower Society more than just faith is required to gain everlasting life.

As well as repentance and works (see above) a third requirement is needed:

A third requirement is that we be associated with God’s channel, his organisation to receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organisation and serve God as part of it.”

The Watchtower – February 15, 1983.

    This demand is to gain the converts' loyalty in order for them to sell Watch Tower publications and keep its membership growing.

Born Again?

THE Jehovah’s Witness is taught that the “born again” experience, the right of Sonship, belongs only to a small group of 144,000 followers.

This group is known as the anointed class, being gathered out of all nations since Pentecost.

Passages such as 1 John 3:2 “Beloved, now we are children of God,” are written directly, only to this “little flock”, according to the Watchtower.

All other Witnesses, known as the “great multitude” or “other sheep” are working to develop a special character which Jehovah will one day look upon with approval, giving them the reward of adoption into His family. But this will happen over 1000 years from now after they have passed a test of loyalty.

Jehovah will give them the opportunity to show their loyalty. How? By releasing Satan and his demons from their condition of restraint in the “abyss”. (Revelation 20:7)….Those who stay loyal to God will be judged worthy of everlasting life….any who rebelliously turn against God will be destroyed…”

The Truth that Leads to Eternal Life, 1968, pages 112-113.

    From just this brief look at this subject, we can see that salvation for a Witness requires a lot more than just faith in Jesus Christ.