What Jehovah's Witnesses Believe?

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Without getting into exact end time dates, quack medical advice and other points of controversy, this is a short list of some of the major tenants of this faith:

1. Jehovah is the Almighty God and Creator of the heavens and earth.
2. Earth and life was created and not evolved.
3. The seven days of Creation were not seven literal days, but could be thousands of years each.
4. Jehovah made the earth for a purpose and it will remain forever.
5. In the beginning, the Word was with God and the Word was A god. In other words, Jesus was not on the same level of God as Jehovah, but merely His Son. The Holy Spirit is nothing more than an invisible force used by Jehovah to do His will, but not an entity of its own accord.
6. Jehovah made man to "Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth" (Genesis 1:28) and live forever in this earthly paradise.
7. Adam was made first in Jehovah's image and was perfect. Eve was made from Adam's rib and to be forever in subjection to her husband.
8. Satan was a perfect angel who wanted to be like Jehovah and wanted to usurp His power by tempting His creations, Adam and Eve in rebellion to become like God by eating the forbidden fruit.
9. Satan and his followers were kicked out of heaven and became the invisible rulers of the world.
10. When Eve was tempted and ate the fruit she was deceived, but Adam who was more responsible and ate of the fruit was deliberately disobedient. Thus both were unworthy of life and started to die and booted out of the paradise to live a harsh life for themselves and their children. The only thing to save them would be a perfect sacrifice to Jehovah who could then forgive them of their sinful nature.
11. The wages of sin is death and the living are aware that they will die, but the dead know nothing at all. In other words, death is a big sleep where you no longer have a thought in your mind.
12. There is no such thing as a fire and brimstone hell. Heaven is where Jehovah's Kingdom reigns and only 144,000 people will ever go to heaven. When you die, you have to wait until the end when you are called from your grave to have a chance at life in a paradise on Earth.
13. The Bible is God's Word and is the truth from God written down by His representatives who merely acted as a secretary taking down a message from the boss.
14. Jesus was born of a virgin woman who was born of original sin. While she carried Jesus, she was merely the adoptive mother of Jesus and not the mother of God. Jesus was transplanted into Mary's womb by the power of the Holy Spirit and therefore untouched by Mary's sin.
15. Jesus proved his perfection by following the Law to the letter.
16. During Jesus' life, he set up standards for his followers which included preaching about the Kingdom of Jehovah and the Last Days which were soon to come.
17. Jesus was executed on an upright stake and not a cross.
18. Since Jesus was perfect and sacrificed, his life was the ransom for all obedient followers of Jehovah.
19. We now live in the End Times and Armageddon will happen soon to destroy the wicked world.
20. After Armageddon, survivors will have to clean up and turn the Earth into a paradise. Those who died before Armageddon, will be resurrected and live on Earth.
21. When the end comes, those not on Jehovah's side will be destroyed and Satan and his demons will be held for 1000 years before being released for the final test of man. Any who fail the test will be eternally destroyed along with Satan and his demons. Anyone who passes will live forever in a perfect Earth paradise.
22. The 1000 years after Armageddon is a test period to help mankind decide once and for all whose side they are on.
23. There is only one road to life and if you are not on that narrow road, you are not following Jehovah. All forms of interfaith movements are to be avoided and one must be separate from the world.
24. All prayers are to be directed to Jehovah through Jesus.
25. Images must never be used in worship.
26. All forms of spiritism must be shunned.
27. Taking blood into body through the mouth or the veins violates God's laws. If you die due to refusal of a blood transfusion, Jehovah looks well upon your death as he would any martyr.
28. Sabbath observance was given only to Israel and ended with Mosaic Law.
29. A clergy class and special titles are improper.
30. A Kingdom Hall is simple in style so as to not flaunt the building over the greatness of Jehovah much like the churches of the world.
31. Baptism by complete immersion symbolizes dedication.
32. Being separate from the world includes avoiding all forms of holy day celebrations with roots in paganism, having nothing to do with any manmade government, or becoming involved in civic activities.
33. Murder is forbidden which includes homicide, abortion, participating in a war, and the death penalty.
34. Taking drugs are forbidden.
35. Alcohol is permitted only in moderation.
36. A man must dress appropriately as a man. A woman must dress appropriately as a woman.
37. Sexual relations are only for a man and a woman married to each other. Homosexuality is completely forbidden. Fornication and adultery are also punishable sins as well as certain sex acts.
38. Divorce is only allowed if the spouse committed adultery. The wronged spouse may not marry again unless the person they divorced has died. To marry again in any other circumstances makes you an adulterer.
39. Children are to be obedient to their parents.
40. All members must obey the laws of the land, so long as they do not conflict with the laws of Jehovah.
41. A Memorial of the Last Supper of Jesus around the Passover is observed only once a year. The symbols of the unleavened bread (symbolizes Jesus' flesh) and wine (symbolizes Jesus' blood) is passed from member to member. The only ones who may partake of these symbols are those with the "Heavenly Hope" [part of the 144,000 who will go to heaven.]
42. A "Publisher" must go forth and preach the "Good News Of The Kingdom." To not do so would render you blood guilty.
43. A "Faithful and discreet slave" class is the group appointed by Jehovah to feed the flock His spiritual message and give new light when needed.

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