Knowing how to approach a Jehovah’s Witness with the truth of God’s Word can be a spiritually fulfilling encounter. Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their door-to-door evangelism and distinctive beliefs. If you encounter one of them at your doorstep or on the street, it’s important to approach them with love and respect. As Christians, we are called to share the gospel with all people, including Jehovah’s Witnesses. Here are some tips on how to approach a Jehovah’s Witness in a respectful and loving manner, and how to counter some of their common arguments with the truth of God’s Word.

Core Beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses

First of all, it’s important to understand that Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that they are the only true Christians and that all other Christian denominations are false. They reject the doctrine of the Trinity and do not believe in the deity of Jesus Christ. They also believe that only 144,000 people will go to heaven, and that the rest of humanity will live forever on a paradise earth.

If a Jehovah’s Witness comes to your door, it’s perfectly fine to engage with them in conversation. Show them respect and kindness, even if you disagree with their teachings. Ask them about their beliefs and share yours as well. However, be prepared for them to try to convert you to their beliefs. Here are some common arguments they might make, and how to counter them with the truth of God’s Word.

Common Arguments

Argument #1: “The Trinity is untrue. The Bible teaches that there is only one God.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the doctrine of the Trinity is false because they believe that the Bible teaches that there is only one God. However, the Bible clearly teaches that there is one God who exists in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In Matthew 3:16-17, we see all three persons of the Trinity acting independently at the baptism of Jesus.

1 John 5:7 (ESV) says, “For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.” This verse clearly states that there are three who bear witness in heaven: the Spirit, the water, and the blood. These three are the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Argument #2: “Jesus is not God, but a created being.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus is not God, but a created being. However, the Bible clearly teaches that Jesus is God.

John 1:1 (ESV) says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Word is Jesus, and this verse clearly states that Jesus is God.

Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV) says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” This passage clearly states that Jesus is the Creator of all things, and that He existed before all things.

Jehovah’s Witnesses will use the term “firstborn” to indicate He was created. But this is a false interpretation. As the late Dr. Micheal Heiser, a renowned Biblical scholar, indicated concerning these verses:

“So it distinguishes Christ as creator from the creation. And by doing this, he is
the one who is seen as the preeminent… He’s preeminent over creation. He’s
superior to it. So consequently, “firstborn” doesn’t mean Jesus is chronologically
the first thing created. Yes, people can say that, and they do (Unitarians,
Jehovah’s Witnesses, whatever). You can say that, but if you say that, you’re
missing (either intentionally or accidentally) the relationship of Christ to two
things that are in the Old Testament that are called firstborn. You’re missing the
relationship of Christ the Messiah to Israel corporately (God’s corporate firstborn
son) and his relationship to the Davidic dynasty (God’s singular Davidic firstborn
son)………It is not about chronology. Paul uses the “firstborn” language in three places: Colossians 1:15, Colossians 1:18, — “firstborn from the dead,” and Romans 8:29, “firstborn among many brothers.”

Argument #3: “Only 144,000 people will go to heaven, and the rest of us will live forever on a paradise earth.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that only 144,000 people will go to heaven, and that the rest of us will live forever on a paradise earth. However, the Bible teaches that all believers in Jesus Christ will go to heaven.

John 14:2-3 (ESV) says, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” Jesus clearly promised His disciples that they would be with Him in heaven.

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV) says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” This passage clearly states that our citizenship is in heaven, and that Jesus will transform our bodies to be like His glorious body.

In conclusion, when engaging with Jehovah’s Witnesses, it’s important to approach them with love and respect. Be prepared to engage in respectful conversation about your beliefs and theirs. And remember to always base your arguments on the truth of God’s Word. By doing so, you can share the gospel with them in a way that is both respectful and effective.

Visit my Apologetics page for additional resources.