A Counterfeit Kingdom … or Not?
What would cause people to be attracted to the Jehovah’s Witnesses?
!Their appeal is made to the fear that is in the human heart
Fear
Jehovah’s Witnesses are living under the cloud of impending doom and destruction. According to their history, they predicted the end of the world would occur in 1914, in 1918, in 1925, and in 1975.
Exclusivity
Only the Jehovah’s Witnesses have “The Truth,” and only those in right relationship to the organization will be permitted to have eternal life.
Achievement
Eternal life is not a free gift of God’s grace, but must be earned through faith and good works.
Respect
Jehovah’s Witnesses seem to have authoritative answers to life’s problems, and their zealous desire for evangelism gains the admiration of those who are searching for truth.
- Root Cause
Wrong Belief:
“My only hope of attaining eternal security on ‘Paradise Earth’ is by diligently obeying the teachings and doctrines of the Watchtower organization.”
Right Belief:
My heavenly hope is eternally secure through my personal relationship with Jesus Christ … God, the Son.
“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)
“Thomas said to him [Jesus], ‘My Lord and my God!’ ”
(John 20:28)