The Biblical Understanding of the Divine
> Jehovah’s Witnesses have distinct beliefs about the nature of God and the identity of Jesus Christ that differ significantly from mainstream Christian theology. They reject the doctrine of the Trinity and view Jesus as a created being, the first and highest of God’s creations, but not co-equal with God (whom they refer to as Jehovah). When a Jehovah’s Witness asks a Christian about their understanding of God’s nature and Jesus’ identity, it presents an opportunity to discuss foundational Christian doctrines.
This article will provide a biblical response to these questions, affirming the traditional Christian belief in the Trinity and the deity of Jesus Christ.
The Christian Perspective on the Nature of God and the Identity of Jesus Christ
– The Doctrine of the Trinity:
The Trinity is a central doctrine of Christianity that defines God as one Being in three distinct Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While the term “Trinity” does not appear in the Bible, the concept is derived from a holistic reading of Scripture. Key passages include Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands baptism in the name (singular) of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and 2 Corinthians 13:14, which speaks of the grace of Jesus, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
– The Deity of Jesus Christ:
Traditional Christian theology affirms the full deity of Jesus Christ. John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Verse 14 clarifies that “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Colossians 1:15-20 speaks of Christ as the image of the invisible God and the agent of creation, not as a created being.
– The Incarnation:
The incarnation refers to the belief that Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Trinity, took on human flesh. Philippians 2:6-7 describes Jesus as being “in very nature God” but making Himself nothing by taking on the nature of a servant. This underscores the Christian belief that Jesus is both fully God and fully man.
Responding to Jehovah’s Witness Beliefs
– Jesus as a Created Being:
Jehovah’s Witnesses cite Proverbs 8:22-31, where wisdom is described as being “brought forth” as support for Jesus being created. Christians, however, interpret this passage as a poetic personification of wisdom, not a literal description of Christ’s origin. They also point to Revelation 3:14, where Jesus is called “the beginning of the creation of God,” arguing that this refers to His role in creation rather than Him being created.
– The Name “Jehovah”:
Jehovah’s Witnesses emphasize the use of the name Jehovah for God, derived from the Tetragrammaton (YHWH). While Christians respect the divine name, they also recognize the New Testament usage of “Lord” (Kyrios in Greek) for both God the Father and Jesus Christ, reflecting the early Christian belief in Jesus’ divine status (e.g., Philippians 2:11).
The Biblical Response
– Scriptural Harmony:
Christians can engage Jehovah’s Witnesses by demonstrating the harmony of Scripture in affirming the deity of Christ and the unity of God in three Persons. They can discuss how the Old and New Testaments reveal a complex yet consistent picture of God’s nature.
– The Early Church’s Witness:
The testimony of the early church can provide insight into how the first Christians understood Jesus’ identity. The formulation of the Nicene Creed in the fourth century, for example, was a response to heretical teachings and affirmed the eternal deity of the Son.
– Jesus’ Own Claims:
The Gospels record Jesus making claims to deity, such as in John 8:58, where He states, “Before Abraham was born, I am!” This echoes the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14 and suggests Jesus’ self-understanding as God.
– The Reliability of Scripture:
Christians can discuss the reliability and authority of the biblical texts, emphasizing that the doctrines of the Trinity and the deity of Christ are not later inventions but are rooted in the apostolic witness.
Conclusion
The nature of God and the identity of Jesus Christ are foundational to Christian belief. In response to Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christians can affirm the biblical teaching of one God in three Persons and the full deity and humanity of Jesus Christ. By engaging in respectful dialogue and examining the scriptural evidence, Christians can articulate their understanding of these core doctrines. The aim is not only to clarify the differences between Jehovah’s Witness theology and traditional Christianity but also to invite deeper reflection on the mystery of the Incarnation and the revelation of God’s triune nature. Through such conversations, believers can bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel, rooted in the truth of who God is and who Jesus Christ is—the Savior and Lord of all.
