The Watchtower’s “Kingdom of God” Examined
One thing I will commend Jehovah’s Witnesses for is their persistence in spreading their beliefs. Every Saturday morning, many of them go door to door in various neighborhoods. In recent years, I’ve seen JW’s standing by portable displays of their literature near libraries, stores, restaurants, bus stops, and on street corners. Unfortunately, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society promote another gospel based on works (Galatians 1:6-9). Their teachings can put undiscerning followers into religious bondage, eventually resulting in them being lost for eternity.
Recently after I led a young man to the Lord at McDonald’s, a Jehovah’s Witness who overheard our conversation placed a brochure on my table as she was leaving. “What is the Kingdom of God” lists several Bible verses and then asks, “What will life be like under the rule of God’s Kingdom?” That question is answered by referring to two passages of Scripture…
“The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever.” - Psalm 37:29
“They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; They shall not plant and another eat; For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, And My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, Nor bring forth children for trouble; For they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, And their offspring with them.” - Isaiah 65:21-23
I agree life on earth will be wonderful when the Lord sets up His millennial kingdom. However, this brochure doesn’t instruct a person how to become part of God’s kingdom. This is probably to lure potential converts into having home Bible studies based on Watchtower doctrine and attend Kingdom Hall meetings. Jesus said in John 3:3, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
This same brochure makes reference to Matthew 24:3, 7 and declares, “Jesus foretold that just before the Kingdom brings peace to the earth, our world would be plagued with wars, famines, and earthquakes…We see those very conditions today. So we can be confident that God’s Kingdom will soon bring an end to all such problems.” Jesus also said in Matthew 24:13, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” I’ve never heard Jehovah’s Witnesses talk about how they plan to survive the seven-year tribulation period prior to Christ’s return. How will JW’s respond when the Antichrist pressures them to take the mark of the beast?
Thank God I’m already part of His kingdom…as a joint heir with Christ (Romans 8:17). My citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). While the earth is tribulating, I’ll be enjoying the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. An invitation is waiting for you as well if you haven’t already accepted it. All you need to do is receive the free gift of salvation.
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” - Mark 1:15
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