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Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Death of Christ

The historical fact of Christ’s death is well known, and accepted by most people, including Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, the doctrinal fact is often misrepresented, especially so by this cult. In this article we want to examine the method and the motive of Christ’s death, for would you credit it, Jehovah’s Witnesses attack both!

But first let us be quite certain as to what we believe as true Christians based on the Word of God. WE BELIEVE THAT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, BY SUFFERING AND DYING FOR OUR SINS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES – THE BIBLE – HAS ATONED FOR THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD, AND THAT ALL WHO REPENT AND BELIEVE IN HIM AS SAVIOUR WILL BE SAVED.

For a moment let us look at the historical fact of Christ’s death on the cross, as recorded in the Gospels. The purpose of this, and the special emphasis we place upon the cross, will become apparent a little later. As the soldiers led Jesus away to crucify Him, “they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the CROSS” [1] (The KJV makes the cross more personal to Jesus by stating, “Simon…him they compelled to bear his” [Jesus’] “CROSS.”) “A certain man from Cyrene, Simon…was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the CROSS.” [2] (The KJV states, “...to bear his CROSS.”) “They seized Simon fromCyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the CROSS on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.” [3] Here in the first three Gospels notice that in each case it is Christ’s cross that Simon is recorded as bearing.

Whilst Jesus was hanging on the cross (according to Scripture) there were those who reviled Him, saying, “Come down from the CROSS, if you are the Son of God,” [4] and, “Come down from the CROSS and save yourself!” [5] “Near the CROSS OF JESUS stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala.” [6] “Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to  the CROSS.” [7]  And so we could go on! But these references alone, without referring to an abundance of texts in the epistles, prove beyond all doubt the established fact that has been accepted by the true Christian Church for two thousand years—the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross.

If I had not yet found the Truth, but was seeking amongst the various churches and cults for a system of doctrine embodying what I believed was the complete truth of the Gospel, I would most certainly think twice about the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Apart from any other false statement of doctrine, the one concerning the cross would deter me from embracing their teaching for two reasons:

1. Their doctrines are not stable; they keep changing them. This does not inspire confidence.

2. An organisation that is so ignorant of simple historical facts, and so hopelessly wrong in their interpretation of equally simple Bible statements, cannot possibly be right in more vital matters of doctrine.

We will see now why we placed special emphasis upon the cross in quoting from the Bible. Jehovah’s Witnesses state, “Christ died on a stake, not a cross.” [8] I recall an illustration I used in one of my lectures on the cults many years ago when capital punishment was still law in Great Britain. Referring to this false statement, a similar statement in modern terms would be, “Billy X, recently found guilty of first degree murder, was executed at dawn by hanging on a telegraph pole, not the gallows.” Ridiculous? Of course it is! So is this Jehovah’s Witness statement.

The mode of execution by nailing or tying a condemned criminal to a rough wooden cross is a well-known fact in history, and was the method used by the Romans from very early times until its abolition by Constantine the Great. The Romans actually introduced it to the Jews, although the Jews themselves were not allowed to pass sentence or perform the actual execution. From this historical fact alone we can see how unreliable Jehovah’s Witnesses are in their teachings. But there is more!

You may remember we said in the second article of this short series of articles with the words, “Jehovah’s Witnesses and…” in their titles, that the Jehovah’s Witnesses change the “truth” from time to time, actually admit to doing so, and condemns the Christian Church for adhering to an unchanging doctrine. Can you credit it? A truth which keeps changing cannot be a truth! If God was constantly changing He would cease to be God! He could not be trusted! An organisation whose doctrines are not stable, who keep changing them as the years go by, not only fail to inspire confidence but must be labelled false.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES ARE FALSE WITNESSES. As further proof of this, and in the light of the foregoing, let us turn to the changing “truth” of the cross of Christ.

In 1921 they stated—”Thus the civil power yielded to the importunities of ecclesiasticism, and Jesus was led away and crucified on Calvary’s hill. And Pilate, more righteous than the clerics, posted over his cross the sign: ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews’.” [9] “When Jesus died upon the cross of Calvary he provided the ransom-price, because his was the death of a perfect human being…” [10] A black and white line drawing illustrates the figure of Christ hanging on a cross. [11]

In 1927 they stated—”In the eyes of the Jews a man was a sinner and accursed in the sight of God if he died upon the cross...Suffering opposition from sinners, the representatives of the enemy, pictured as outside the camp, was the great cross of suffering which was actually fulfilled and completed when Jesus was crucified as a sinner...and being denounced as a sinner and then dying as a sinner upon the cross.” [12] A coloured glossy picture illustrates the crucifixion scene, with the central figure of Christ flanked by two thieves, all nailed to crosses. [13]

In 1936 they stated—”Jesus was crucified, not on a cross of wood, such as is exhibited in many images and pictures, and which images are made and exhibited by men; Jesus was crucified by nailing his body to a tree...and being crucified on a tree in effect said: ‘The one here dying is put to death as a vile sinner…’ Jehovah suffered his Beloved Son to be put to death by nailing him to a tree...The crucifixion of Jesus upon a tree is a testimony to all creation that he willingly suffered the most ignominious death.” [14]

In 1943 they stated—”The Jewish chief priests and other clergymen led the people in howling for Jesus’ execution on a tree to hang there till dead.” This is followed by a coloured line drawing of three figures nailed to what appears to be three tree-trunks, arms stretched high above their heads. [15] “Jesus chose to die on the tree.” [16]

In 1946 they stated—”At passover time A.D.33, with the aid of the traitorous apostle Judas Iscariot, they seized Jesus, gave him a mock trial, handed him over to the Gentiles for trial by Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas, and then blocked his release by stirring up the misguided Jewish people to cry for Jesus to be impaled on a tree like a seditious lawbreaker and blasphemer.” [17]

In 1952 they stated—”At passover time A.D.33, with the aid of the traitorous apostle Judas Iscariot, they seized Jesus, gave him a mock trial, handed him over to the Gentiles for trial by Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas, and then blocked his release by stirring up the misguided Jewish people to cry for Jesus to be hanged on a torture stake like a seditious lawbreaker and blasphemer.” [18]

Notice in particular the similarity of these last two statements. The only difference between the two is the phrase, “impaled on a tree”, in the first, and “hanged on a torture stake”, in the second. Both come from a book with the same title, but numerous statements have been changed in the “second edition”. Here, then, is another glaring example of Jehovah’s Witnesses changing the “truth”—or as Ted Dencher reminded us earlier, “This changing of doctrine is done lest the Witnesses get tired of hearing the same old thing over and over again.”

In 1961 they stated, and presumably still do today, if they have not changed the “truth” yet again, that “the cross” should be translated “torture stake”. Evidence of this can be found in the Jehovah’s Witnesses own Bible translation, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, where “the cross” is never mentioned, but the “torture stake” is used liberally. In view of all this it is obvious that Jehovah’s Witnesses cannot be trusted with the Truth, neither can we trust their Bible translation.

In 2005 they stated, and this confirms the assumption in the previous paragraph originally written in 1970, that Jehovah’s Witnesses still have an abhorrence of the cross. “The cross is loved and respected by millions of people, The Encyclopaedia Britannica calls the cross ‘the principal symbol of the Christian religion.’ Nevertheless, true Christians do not use the cross in worship. Why not? An important reason is that Jesus Christ did not die on a cross.” [19]

No doubt those millions of Christians throughout the world who love and respect the cross for what it symbolises, would be horrified to learn that they are not true Christians according to Jehovah’s Witnesses. Presumably, because they have not accepted the cross since the 1920’s, changing it to a tree up until the 1940’s, and finally settling for a torture stake from the 1950’s onwards, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe themselves to be the only true Christians!

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, they appear to have finally settled for a stake – unless they change their minds again and go for another form of execution for Jesus Christ in the future! “Jesus remained faithful until death – a cruel and painful death at the hands of his enemies…He was arrested, accused by false witnesses, convicted by corrupt judges, laughed at by mobs, and tortured by soldiers. Nailed to a stake, he took his last breath, crying out: ‘It has been accomplished!’ (Philippians 2:8)”  [20]  

[ï In point of fact, this comment written in 1970 has come to pass thirty years later! We did find a stake pictured! Included in the early twenty-first century publication, from which we quoted earlier, is a coloured graphic of a figure nailed – a single nail – to what looks like a telegraph pole, both arms stretched above the head, with the caption: “Jehovah gave his only-begotten Son as a ransom for us.” [21] ]

Now, concerning the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, a question comes to mind—what was His motive in allowing Himself to be crucified? We have established the method of His execution, but what of His motive behind all that suffering and death as a common criminal? Another of Jehovah’s Witnesses false statements prompts the questions. As before, let us first establish the truth from the Word of God, and in so doing automatically expose their statements as being false.

“The Lord Jesus Christ, who GAVE HIMSELF FOR OUR SINS TO RESCUE US FROM THE PRESENT EVIL AGE, according to the will of our God and Father.” [22] “Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and GAVE HIMSELF UP FOR US AS A FRAGRANT OFFERING AND A SACRIFICE to God.” [23] “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep...I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR THE SHEEP.” [24] These are just three quotations from an abundance of Scripture setting forth the motive behind the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Particularly notice this; in each case, IN KEEPING WITH THE NATURE OF JESUS, THE MOTIVE IS COMPLETELY UNSELFISH. There is no suggestion, not even the slightest hint, of personal gain attached to His sacrifice. He gave Himself, He laid down His life, He died a cruel death, “that he might rescue US from the present evil age,” that He might become an offering and a sacrifice for US.

We must be quite clear of this, for it puts the death, resurrection and atoning work of Christ into correct perspective. God the Son gave Himself for us in obedience to the will of God the Father. He suffered voluntarily. Jesus Himself said, “I lay down my life – only to take it up again. No-one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and authority to take it up again.” [25] (The KJV uses the word “power” in place of “authority”.) When we read, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…” [26] and, “God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man,” [27] we must understand that this was only possible because God the Son was willing to die.

Jesus was in the prime of life; no young man in his thirties wants to die. The man Christ Jesus was no exception. If there could have been another way to atone for sin, Jesus would have taken it. Just before His arrest He prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” [28] “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” [29] There is a very big difference between wanting and being willing!

The two-fold motive in the mind of Jesus, in being willing to suffer and die, was first His great desire to do the will of God, His Father; and, secondly, that He might provide a means of salvation for all mankind. In other words, HIS MOTIVE WAS ONE OF COMPLETE UNSELFISH OBEDIENCE. As previously suggested, this is in keeping with the nature and the character of Jesus Christ. Anything different would be alien to His nature, and therefore false.

The teaching of the true Christian Church, based on the Word of God, has been presented—a motive truly commendable and praiseworthy has been outlined.

“When Jesus learned from his Father that he would have an opportunity to be the Head of God’s great capital organisation...the heart of Jesus was filled with joy and he straightway took the steps his Father required that he might possess that great prize.” [30] Jesus had to suffer and die, to forfeit His life as a man, if He wanted to be the Head of this “great capital organisation”—whatever that might mean! So, with this somewhat selfish motive in mind, Jesus died, not for US or the sins of MANKIND, not to provide a way of salvation for the SINNER, but simply “that he might possess that great prize.”

But, we say, and rightly so, this is alien to Christ’s nature; not in keeping with His character. There is only one conclusion to be drawn. This statement of Jehovah’s Witnesses, along with all the others, is false. Because it belittles the work of Christ, and misrepresents His nature, this statement is also blasphemous.

The teaching of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, quite obviously not based on the Word of God, is here presented—a motive which can only be described as essentially selfish has been outlined.

We have established (successfully, I hope!) in this booklet two important facts—the method and the motive of Christ’s death. He allowed Himself to be crucified on a wooden cross to enable Him to do God’s holy will and provide a means of salvation for fallen mankind. It would be wrong for us to suppose that the actual death of Jesus Christ provided salvation for us all. If this statement surprises the reader, let me qualify it! His death provided the means—opened up a way—whereby God the Father could forgive sin, through the atoning work of God the Son. This means salvation is available for all mankind.

The proof that God the Father accepted this atoning work, that He accepted the death of God the Son as an all-sufficient sacrifice for sin—a righteous basis upon which to forgive repentant sinners—can be found in the resurrection, and forms the subject of the next booklet. “Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”  [31]

Before proceeding to that next booklet, however, may I once again reaffirm my attitude towards the Jehovah’s Witnesses. I am not in any way, during the course of this study of the doctrine of Jesus Christ in this series of booklets, condemning them as people. IF FULL BENEFIT IS TO BE DERIVED FROM READING THESE BOOKLETS IT IS MOST IMPORTANT THAT THE READER FULLY UNDERSTANDS THIS. The tragedy surrounding this cult is the fact that they themselves believe what they teach and preach.

During a discussion with some teenagers following a Sunday night Gospel Service where I had been the preacher, one youngster said this to me. “You and I have been brought up in our particular denomination. Our mothers and fathers, and their parents before them, all belonged to this denomination. It stands to reason that we belong because they belong—we were brought up to believe this denomination to be the right one for us because of the example set by our parents. Is not this the case with the Jehovah’s Witnesses? I agree with what you say, their doctrine is obviously false, but surely God will not condemn them to hell for preaching a false doctrine if they have been brought up to believe it is true, and therefore know nothing different.”

This was a good point to raise, and I commended the young man for bringing it up. But unfortunately what he had said was not altogether true. Our parents’ or our grandparents’ faith is not sufficient for us. We must have a personal knowledge of the saving power of Jesus Christ. We must learn to stand on our own two feet, and reason out for ourselves the truth of the Word. It is not good enough to accept and believe the Bible simply because our parents have told us this or that is right or wrong. That which we know and believe we must know and believe for ourselves. If it means changing our denomination, or even our church fellowship within a denomination, then we must seek God’s guidance on the matter.

“Incidentally,” I said to those young people, “I am not serving the Lord through the denomination in which I was brought up. I felt the call of God to the particular ministry in which I am now situated, but it meant leaving the denomination to which my parents belonged. I have, however, since been back to their church to preach, and this was possible because our doctrines are so closely knit!” (That was in the 1970’s. I have since returned to the denomination of my childhood, because that was what the Lord wanted! I felt a definite leading from Him.) The fundamental doctrines of all the orthodox denominations, as we have already discovered and the Jehovah’s Witnesses cannot accept, are basically the same. In recent years I have preached the Word of God in countless different churches of various denominations, but it is the same Word that I preach in each! (Not the same sermon, of course!)

I then said something to my young friends, which I have often said, and meant, when in conversation with a Jehovah’s Witness; but I am afraid in doing so I rather surprised the discussion group at first. “If I could be convinced of the ‘truth’ taught by Jehovah’s Witnesses, I would join them.” That was a statement I made over fifty years ago when the preaching engagement referred to above took place, and I still hold to it today; but I have still yet to be convinced. I MUST ADMIT THAT I KNOW THAT I NEVER WILL BE! Still today I am studying their system of doctrine, which, incidentally, appears still to be changing every time a new book is published! And still today I am more convinced than ever of their false teaching.

The orthodox Christian Church—I use the word “orthodox” in the purest sense of “holding right, correct, or accepted views”—does not have to alter the Word of God to line up with her doctrine; therefore, if my faith, my beliefs, are based on the Bible, I accept that book from cover to cover. In fact, I even accept the cover because it includes the word “Holy”! The moment I am party to changing even one word of it, it loses its true value, its credibility.

An organisation, then, which does change the meaning of God’s Word to “fit” their own doctrines is automatically condemned as false in my view. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES ALTER THE BIBLE! The statement by that young person in the discussion group referring to a Jehovah’s Witness, who has been brought up to believe his doctrine to be true, and therefore knows nothing different, is not altogether correct. Every time he meets a true Christian who knows what he believes, and is told by him some of the truths of the Word, here is an opportunity given by God the Father to enable the Jehovah’s Witness to know something different—to learn the Truth.

The most important phrase in the previous paragraph is, I believe, “a true Christian who knows what he believes.” This emphasises the two-fold purpose of this series of booklets with the words, “Jehovah’s Witnesses and…” in their titles. 1. To warn against and prove the false teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses concerning the doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ; and, 2. To outline the true teaching of the Bible so that the Christian is able to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power… ” and also to “put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” [32] As Christians we have a responsibility to make sure that Jehovah’s Witnesses at least hear the truth.

We must face this fact, as we said in the first article of this short series, as Christian workers here is our greatest problem—to convince as well as prove a Jehovah’s Witness to be doctrinally wrong. I believe, by God’s grace, we will succeed. A member of this cult will not be able to plead this excuse when he stands before God on that Great Judgement Day, that he was brought up to believe and had no other opportunity of knowing another doctrine than that taught by the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Here, of course, is the true Christian’s responsibility. An article written by an ex-Jehovah’s Witness under the title, “Do Not Slam Your Door To A Jehovah’s Witness”, concludes with this lament. “O Christian! Why didn’t you tell me? Why did you slam your door at me? Why did you treat me so unkindly for those ten long years? Why didn’t you preach the everlasting gospel to me? Why didn’t you open that precious Book and show me what God said? Why did you let those Watchtower leaders deceive me so? Why didn’t you agonise in prayer for my soul? Where has your faith gone?” [33]

It is my sincere prayer that this short series of articles, will not only assist the true Christian to witness to Jehovah’s Witnesses concerning the true Jesus Christ when they come knocking at the door, but will also strengthen the faith of that Christian as well.

But supposing, just supposing, a Jehovah’s Witness has never met an orthodox Christian, has never heard the truth from God’s Word through the testimony of a true Christian, what then? First of all, I would suggest that this would be impossible in view of their compulsory system of door-to-door evangelism. However, should such a Jehovah’s Witness exist, then I believe God would judge him accordingly. We have the assurance of God’s holy love and pure judgement, and this is extended to Jehovah’s Witnesses as well as to Christians!