Skyler in Pismo
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“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3
I met a very friendly young man named Skyler on Sunday afternoon. Skyler graciously agreed to allow me to record and ask him questions regarding spiritual matters. Early in our conversation Skyler identified himself as being a Jehovah’s Witness. I thank God for the opportunity to speak with him.
As you’ll hear, Skyler is polite and concise when talking about Watchtower doctrine – it seemed that he had a firm grasp on their teachings.
This interview was a pleasant experience because encounters between Christians and Jehovah’s Witnesses (JWs) typically revolve around a discussion of deity. The reason for this is twofold. First, this is the area where Watchtower theology deviates most dramatically from orthodox Christianity. In contrast to the Trinitarian concept of one God in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—the JWs have been taught to believe that God the Father alone is “Jehovah,” the only true God; that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel, the first angelic being created by God; and that the Holy Spirit is neither God nor a person, but rather God’s impersonal “active force.”
I say that the interview was “pleasant” because our discussion didn’t turn into a jousting match (argument) – sighting our favorite proof-texts for or against the Deity of Jesus Christ. Although these exchanges are good and necessary, our discussion focused mainly on God’s justice, man’s sin, and the reasonableness of Hell. Skyler also clearly articulated the Watchtower doctrine of Salvation:
“Therefore, let us show our gratitude for the love displayed by God and Christ by exercising faith in Jesus’ ransom sacrifice” (Knowledge, p. 69).
Requirements for salvation, in addition to faith, include baptism by immersion, active association with the Watchtower Bible Tract Society, righteous conduct, and absolute loyalty to Jehovah. There is no assurance of salvation, only hope for a resurrection. Those who fail to live up to the above requirements or who are disfellowshiped by the WBTS have no hope of salvation.
You listen to the context of the quotes below, but Skyler clearly understood, and articulated this Watchtower doctrine of salvation.
MP3 Time: 23:57
Skyler: “It is possible to have a positive standing in Jehovah’s eyes… it is possible.”
Allen: “How?”
Skyler: “By trying very, very, hard. And by studying the scriptures and by applying what you learn.”
Allen: “That’s how you attain righteousness?”
Skyler: “Yea.”
This breaks my heart because the Bible clearly says, “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Galatians 2:16
The Biblical Teaching of Salvation says that it is “by grace through faith” in Jesus Christ alone. No amount of works or membership in any organization guarantees salvation. It is totally through faith in Christ (see Rom. 4:4,5; Eph. 2:8,9; Titus 3:5). Good works are the natural response to salvation already received, not its cause (see Eph. 2:10). Salvation is eternally assured for those who have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior (see John 1:12; 5:24; 1 John 5:13).
Skyler desperately needs God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. Please pray for him. Pray that he would repent of his sin and repent of trusting in his own works of, “trying very, very, hard.” Pray that Skyler would grow weary of carrying his burden of sin and trying to be good enough – and turn to the “great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13) – so that he would respond in faith to the invitation of Jesus:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
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