Do Jehovah's Witnesses Call on the Name of Jesus?

Often raised as a point of contention, the question of whether Jehovah's Witnesses call on the name of Jesus can be complex and misunderstood. This article aims to clarify their beliefs and practices, providing insights into their unique Christian perspective.

Understanding Jehovah's Witnesses Beliefs

Jehovah's Witnesses identify as Christians, but their theological stances and beliefs significantly differ from traditional Christian denominations. For instance, they believe that Jesus is the son of God and play a crucial role in salvation, yet reject the idea of the Trinity. Instead, they consider Jesus as a special creature, subordinate to God the Father.

Core Beliefs and Practices

One key aspect of Jehovah's Witnesses' faith involves their understanding of God's name. They emphasize the importance of the name 'Jehovah' and believe it is central to their relationship with God. This stems from their translation of the Bible, where they render 'YHWH' as 'Jehovah.'

Calling on the Name of Jehovah

The practice of calling on the name of Jesus among Jehovah's Witnesses is seen differently from how it is understood in other Christian traditions. Rather than calling on the name of Jesus to approach the Creator, they assert that we should call on 'Jehovah' directly, recognizing Jesus as the mediator through whom we can come to God.

Scriptural Support

References from both the Old and New Testaments support this practice. For example, in Psalm 83:18, it states, 'Let people know that you, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.' This verse underscores the importance of Jehovah's name while also recognizing Jesus' role as a mediator. Similarly, in John 14:6, Jesus says, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' This further emphasizes the role of Jesus in their belief system.

Prayer Through Jesus to Jehovah

Jehovah's Witnesses do indeed pray, but not directly to Jesus. Instead, they pray to Jehovah, and Jesus is invoked to intercede on their behalf. This is based on verses such as Acts 4:10-12, where Peter says, 'By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by this name declare to you, the man standing before you, the one whom you crucified this is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.'

Common Misconceptions

While Jehovah's Witnesses are welcoming and often provide literature and engage in discussions, they are also met with skepticism or confusion. Many have been puzzled by their responses and teachings, leading to a lack of understanding about their beliefs. It is not uncommon for individuals to have visited Jehovah's Witnesses multiple times before coming to grips with their practices.

Unique Beliefs on Judgment and Salvation

Jehovah's Witnesses believe in a specific concept of eternal torment and separation from God for those who do not accept their teachings. This belief is rooted in their interpretation of biblical texts such as Revelation 20:10, which discusses the fate of unbelievers.

Role of Jesus and God the Father

Despite their reverence for Jesus, Jehovah's Witnesses maintain that Jesus serves as a mediator for those who wish to communicate with Jehovah. This is consistent with 1 Timothy 2:6, which states, 'For there is one God and one mediator between God and the human race, himself Jesus Christ, himself righteous, himself the atoning sacrifice.'

Conclusion

While the question of whether Jehovah's Witnesses call on the name of Jesus is a point of interest, it is crucial to understand their perspective on God's name, Jesus' role as a mediator, and the Scriptural basis for their practices. By delving deeper into their beliefs and practices, one can gain a better understanding of this unique Christian community.