The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed by Brenda Rivera of Orlando, Florida from the tape, GC 1301-O, titled "Bible Questions and Answers Part 17."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE. ©1978. All Rights Reserved.

Question

The question I have deals with Jehovah’s Witness. I ride the RTD (Rapid Transit) about three times a week and they always come and they talk to me and we always have a great big conversation, and then the bus comes. In John 1 it says “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God” and the Jehovah’s Witness they say “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God and the Word was a god” to you what is the difference there between what scripture says and what Jehovah’s Witness say?

Answer

To me the difference isn’t even in John 1:1. I believe that if anybody who can read the Bible, from Matthew to Revelation, and come up with the fact that Jesus is not God proves that he is isolated, cut off, shut off totally from God. It is absolutely obvious who Christ is and the battle doesn’t even occur at John 1:1. That is a silly little ploy used by the JW’s to defend a system that is rotten from top to bottom. Simply stated, as I said before anybody that can read the New Testament from beginning to end and not be convinced Jesus is God is totally blind. And they give evidence that the god of this world has blinded their minds. And what you’re dealing with, with the Jehovah’s Witness, is not that you can convince them of the meaning of John 1:1. The thing is, can you convince them that they’re damned and on their way to Hell and their sin is unforgiven, and they need Christ.

My usual approach with the cults is the "Wrath of God." My approach is: Did you know that the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness? Did you know that if you’re wrong you’re doomed forever to Hell? So you better be sure you’re right, because if you’re wrong, the price is infinite. Do you have freedom from your sin? Do you have victory over your sin? Do you have complete rest and peace in your heart from guilt? Do you know without a shadow of a doubt that you’re forgiven? Do you know the blood of Jesus Christ has been applied to your sin? Because if you don’t, maybe it hasn’t, and if it hasn’t you’ll die in your sins, and Jesus says where He goes you’ll never come.

I would rather approach them that way, than to fiddle around in John 1.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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