It’s not uncommon for conversations on the subject of faith to become confusing. Protestants and Jehovah’s Witnesses both claim to be Christians, but our beliefs on some significant issues could not be more different. To have constructive conversations about our faith, we must understand both the differences between our beliefs and those of Jehovah’s Witnesses, as well as the most effective ways to communicate those differences in the spirit of Christlike love.
Trinity
Protestant Beliefs: Protestants confess that God exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and these three are one in essence but distinct in personhood.
Jehovah’s Witness Beliefs: Jehovah’s Witnesses deny the Trinity. They believe Jehovah (the Father) is the only true God, that Jesus was a created son and therefore is not equal with the Father, and the Holy Spirit is God’s impersonal active force rather than a person.
Jesus Christ
Protestant Beliefs: Protestants confess that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, that He eternally existed as the second person of the Trinity with the Father, and that His death and resurrection are the sole source of our salvation, given by God’s grace through faith.
Jehovah’s Witness Beliefs: Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that Jesus was Michael the Archangel before being born of a woman, that He is merely a created being and not God, and that His death provides salvation, but only for those who obey the commands of Jehovah as outlined by the Watchtower Society.
Scripture and Authority
Protestant Beliefs: Protestants affirm the sole authority of the Bible (sola scriptura) for all matters of faith and practice.
Jehovah’s Witness Beliefs: Jehovah’s Witnesses reject sola scriptura. They use a special translation of the Bible called the New World Translation, and teach that the Watchtower organization is the only accurate interpretation of Scripture.
Salvation
Protestant Beliefs: Protestants believe that salvation is a gift of God, received by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Jehovah’s Witness Beliefs: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe faith in Christ is essential for salvation, but it is not enough. To be saved, one must also live obediently to Jehovah’s commands, submit to the requirements of the Watchtower organization, and continue to produce good works.
Afterlife
Protestant Beliefs: Protestants believe in heaven and hell. Jesus taught that all who put their trust in Him will be with Him eternally in heaven (Matthew 25 31–46; John 14:1-3), but all who reject Him will be cast into hell to face eternal punishment (Matthew 8:12; 25:41).
Jehovah’s Witness Beliefs: Jehovah’s Witnesses deny that there is an eternal conscious torment. They teach that only 144,000 will reign with Christ in heaven, while most faithful Witnesses will live forever on a paradise earth. The wicked are destroyed rather than tormented for eternity.
Tips for Sharing Your Faith with Kindness
It’s one thing to be able to recognize the differences between Jehovah’s Witnesses and Protestants on doctrinal matters, but what about in real-life conversations with those who are Witnesses? Knowing what to say and how to say it in a spirit of love is equally important. Here are some helpful tips:
Listen First
Listening well is the fastest way to gain respect and open up a meaningful conversation about the differences between Jehovah’s Witnesses and Protestants’ beliefs. Asking questions about what they believe and why, with genuine interest in their responses, will help you gain their trust.
Start With What You Have in Common
Both Jehovah’s Witnesses and Protestants value the Bible and speak about Jesus. Start with these common beliefs to establish trust and then move into your differences.
Stay Clear and Simple
Leave the theological jargon at home. Be clear and straightforward as you explain the Protestant positions on grace, faith, and the deity of Jesus. Think through examples that will help illustrate these points and make them easy to understand.
Ask Questions Rather Than Arguing
Don’t get into an argument; ask good questions. These help to get past the emotional resistance that often comes when talking about beliefs and into honest consideration of differences. Good questions to ask include: “What does this verse mean to you?” or “How do you understand Jesus’ role in salvation?”
Remember to Love Like Christ
Remember, the goal is not to “win” the argument but to love like Christ. In everything we do, we should do it with humility, gentleness, and respect (1 Peter 3:15).
Final Thought
Sharing our faith with Jehovah’s Witnesses is an opportunity to show them the true hope of the gospel. As long as we stay informed on the differences between Jehovah’s Witnesses and Protestant beliefs, remain grounded in Scripture, and share our faith with gentleness and respect, we can effectively communicate the truth to others in a way that brings honor to Christ and glorifies God.
Thoughts from Pastor Toney 