Our Beliefs & Teachings
All our beliefs are based on the Bible, God's inspired Word
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Bible-Based Faith
Jehovah's Witnesses base all their beliefs, their standards for conduct, and organizational procedures on the Bible. We believe that the Bible is God's inspired Word and that it provides reliable guidance for all aspects of life.
We encourage everyone to examine the Scriptures carefully and verify what we teach. The Bible itself encourages this approach, saying: "Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine." (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Core Beliefs
God
We worship Jehovah as the only true God and the Creator of all things. He is a loving Father who cares about each of us individually. His personal name, Jehovah, appears thousands of times in the Bible.
"You, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth." — Psalm 83:18
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is God's Son, the first of God's creations. He is not Almighty God but is separate from Him. Jesus gave his life as a ransom sacrifice so that we might have the opportunity for eternal life.
"For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son." — John 3:16
The Bible
We believe that the entire Bible is "inspired of God" and is accurate, reliable, and beneficial. It provides practical guidance for daily living and reveals God's purpose for mankind and the earth.
"All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial." — 2 Timothy 3:16
God's Kingdom
We believe that God's Kingdom is a real government in heaven that will soon replace all human governments. Jesus Christ is the King of this Kingdom, and it will bring peace and righteousness to the earth.
"Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth." — Matthew 6:10
What We Believe About Life & Death
The Soul
The Bible teaches that the soul is the entire person, not something inside that survives death. When a person dies, the soul dies.
Death
Death is a state of nonexistence. The dead are not conscious and do not suffer. They await a future resurrection.
Resurrection
God will resurrect billions of people, giving them the opportunity to live forever on a paradise earth.
Heaven
A limited number of faithful Christians will rule with Christ in heaven as kings and priests.
Earth's Future
The earth will never be destroyed. It will be transformed into a paradise where righteous people will live forever.
Hell
The Bible's "hell" is simply the common grave of mankind, not a place of fiery torment.
Living by Bible Principles
We strive to live by Bible principles in all aspects of life. This includes:
- Love: Showing love for God and neighbor
- Honesty: Being truthful in all dealings
- Morality: Maintaining high moral standards
- Family: Strengthening family bonds
- Work: Being diligent and honest workers
- Peace: Promoting peace and avoiding violence
Our Practices
Preaching
We follow Jesus' command to preach the good news of God's Kingdom. We do this by visiting people in their homes and public places, sharing Bible-based information.
Baptism
We practice full water immersion baptism for those who have made a dedication to God and understand basic Bible teachings.
Neutrality
We remain politically neutral, following Jesus' example. We respect government authority but give our ultimate allegiance to God's Kingdom.
Blood
We abstain from blood, following the Bible's command. We accept medical treatment but choose alternatives to blood transfusions.
Celebrations
We do not celebrate holidays with pagan origins. We do commemorate Jesus' death annually and enjoy wholesome family gatherings.
Unity
We maintain unity worldwide, with all congregations teaching the same Bible-based beliefs and following the same moral standards.
Why We Preach
Jesus commanded his followers: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations." (Matthew 28:19, 20) We take this command seriously and view preaching as a privilege and responsibility.
Our preaching work is motivated by love—love for God and love for our neighbors. We want to share the hope we've found in the Bible with others so they too can benefit from God's promises.
We don't preach to earn salvation or because we're paid to do so. We preach because we believe the Bible's message can help people find real happiness and hope for the future.
Have Questions About Our Beliefs?
We're happy to answer your questions and show you what the Bible teaches.