In this post, we’ll look at the Jehovah’s Witness doctrine of salvation, compare it with biblical justification by faith, and point out some of their more disturbing teachings that mark them as a cult—not just another Christian denomination.
What Jehovah’s Witnesses Teach About Salvation
Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe that a person is saved by grace through faith alone in Jesus Christ. Instead, they teach that salvation is:
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Based on faith in Jehovah (their name for God), plus works,
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Dependent on loyalty to the organization, and
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Not guaranteed until after Armageddon.
Their official publications say:
“To receive everlasting life... you must exercise faith in Jesus, change your course of life, and get baptized. You must also be active in sharing your faith...” (What Does the Bible Really Teach? ch. 18, pp. 182–183).
In other words, your eternal life depends on obedience, preaching, baptism into their organization, and loyalty to the Watchtower Society.
That’s Not the Gospel.
What the Bible Teaches: Justification by Faith
The Bible is crystal clear that salvation is by grace, through faith—not by works.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)
Even Abraham was declared righteous by faith (Romans 4:2–5). The gospel is not “do more, try harder,” but “believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).
The difference is eternal:
The 144,000 and the Great Multitude in Revelation 7
Jehovah’s Witnesses interpret the 144,000 in Revelation 7:4 as a literal number of "anointed" believers who will go to heaven, while the great multitude in Revelation 7:9 are second-class citizens destined to live on a paradise Earth.
But here’s the problem: this interpretation completely misreads the apocalyptic and symbolic nature of Revelation.
Biblical Interpretation:
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The 144,000 represent the symbolic fullness of God’s people, described as 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes. This is not a literal number or list of physical Israelites, but a figurative way to describe the “firstfruits” of Jewish believers who were saved in the 1st century before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.
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The great multitude from every nation, tribe, and language represents the Gentile believers who came to faith in Christ after the gospel went out to the nations.
“These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation...” (Revelation 7:14)
The 144,000 represent the symbolic fullness of God’s people, described as 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes. This is not a literal number or list of physical Israelites, but a figurative way to describe the “firstfruits” of Jewish believers who were saved in the 1st century before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.
The great multitude from every nation, tribe, and language represents the Gentile believers who came to faith in Christ after the gospel went out to the nations.
“These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation...” (Revelation 7:14)
This is not some future seven-year period as dispensationalists claim but refers to the tribulation and persecution of Christians during the early church era—especially under Nero and during the Jewish War (66–70 AD).
This view affirms that both groups are part of the one redeemed people of God, not separated into two different classes with different eternal destinies.
Historic Connection to Seventh-day Adventism
Not many people know that Jehovah’s Witnesses and Seventh-day Adventists came from the same 19th-century apocalyptic roots. Charles Taze Russell, the founder of the Watchtower movement, was heavily influenced by Adventist teachings, particularly about Christ’s invisible return and date-setting.
While SDA eventually distanced themselves from Russell’s teachings, both groups share some strange theological DNA:
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Obsession with the end times
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Rejection of eternal hell
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A works-based path to salvation
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Denial of orthodox Christian doctrine
That’s why many scholars classify both movements as restorationist sects, but JWs take it even further into cult territory.
Why Jehovah’s Witnesses Are a Cult
The word cult is serious—but accurate here. Jehovah’s Witnesses exhibit all the major marks of a religious cult:
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Authoritarian control by the Watchtower Society
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Rejection of historic Christian doctrine (like the Trinity, deity of Christ, bodily resurrection)
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Shunning of ex-members, even family
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Claim to exclusive truth and salvation
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Twisting of Scripture using their own biased translation (the New World Translation)
They don't just interpret the Bible differently—they rewrite it, deny Jesus is God, and elevate an organization over the gospel.
The Real Good News
Salvation is not found in joining the Watchtower or counting service hours.
It's found in Jesus. The real Jesus—the eternal Son of God, crucified and risen, who offers full forgiveness and eternal life to all who trust in Him.
“To all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)
Final Thoughts
If you’re talking to a Jehovah’s Witness, remember:
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Be gentle but firm.
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Emphasize grace over works.
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Keep pointing to the real Jesus—not the reduced version in the Watchtower.
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Pray that God would open their eyes to the truth of His Word.
Former Adventists Philippines
napakagandang mensahe po ito,malaking tulong po ito pastor..maraming salamat po
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