The Deity of Christ and Salvation

Is the Christ of Jehovah’s Witnesses the Same Christ as the Christ of the Bible?

For more than a century, Jehovah’s Witnesses have presented the world with a Jesus different from the one in Scripture: a creature, not the Creator; a messenger, not the divine Mediator. They have taught that salvation is attained through obedience to an organization, not received by grace through faith in Christ.

These are not minor differences. They are the two doctrines at the very heart of the gospel: who Jesus Christ is and how we are saved.

The Divinity of Christ and Salvation is a serious and accessible examination of the biblical passages at the center of the debate between Christians and Jehovah’s Witnesses. Each chapter first presents the official position honestly and without caricature, then analyzes the passages in their context and, when relevant, in their original grammar. The goal is to defend the faith with wisdom and clarity—with the Scriptures open, to arrive at a sound conclusion that can be communicated and sustained.

Among the questions this book answers:

• Why does the New World Translation render John 1:1 as “a god”?

• What does “firstborn of all creation” really mean in Colossians 1:15?

• Is Jesus the archangel Michael?

• Who is “the Angel of Jehovah” of the Old Testament?

• Why does the New World Translation add the word “other” in Colossians 1:16?

• Is a person saved by faith, or by faith plus works?

• Can a believer have assurance of salvation?

The reader will find here a synthesis of the main arguments for the deity of Christ, presented in an orderly and clear manner: John 1:1, Colossians 1:15-20, Philippians 2:6, Revelation 1:8, Hebrews 1, John 20:28, and many more, examined one by one.

Written with pastoral respect and biblical rigor, this book is intended for three readers: the Christian who wants to delve deeper and respond with sound judgment, the person who loves a Jehovah's Witness and seeks ways to converse with one, and the Jehovah's Witness himself who dares to examine his beliefs with the Bible open.

It includes a special appendix with key passages in Greek and Hebrew interlinear translation, where any reader—without knowledge of the original languages—can see word for word what the text says and where the official translation of Jehovah's Witnesses deviates from it.

“In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

—1 Peter 3:15-16