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Bible Study Discussions with Gary Panell

Question: Where does it say in the Bible that Jesus is God?" asked a Jehovah's Witnesses friend of mine.

Answer: There are many verses that say Jesus is God, and I have written an article called: How do I know that Jesus was (and still is) God, not just a prophet or a good man? This goes into a lot more detain than we can give here. You need to understand that the Jehovah's Witnesses use their own Bible that has been changed in this area of who Jesus is. As far as I know they are the only ones who have done this with a Bible translation. There version is called the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, and it is usually green, but I believe it comes in other colors as well. It is printed by the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society of New York, Inc.

The key verse that they have changed on this subject is: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1) In their New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures it says: "In [the] beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god." Yes, it says "was a god," which is a deliberate change in the text. Obviously this is a change in what has been taught since the time of Christ. The Jehovah's Witnesses have the distinction of changing what the word of God says here on a crucial doctrine of the Church. The reason they changed this verse and others like it is to show that they do not believe Jesus is truly God equal to the Father. They also do not believe in the Holy Trinity or any of the other Christian doctrines taught since the beginning of the Church Age.

One day a group came to my door, and told me that I believe in three gods, the lady speaking said she knew this because she grew up in the Lutheran Church. I said you didn't learn very well what they were teaching then, because they do not believe in three gods, but One God in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I try to show forth the love of Christ to these people because that is the only way you can reach them. It is good to have someone praying for them when you are visiting. I simply share my testimony and make it clear to them that my salvation rests in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

They believe that Christ was the "firstborn of all creation" and was created billions of years ago. They believe that He was created as the Archangel Michael. They believe that Jesus is a mighty "god," but He is not God Almighty like the Father is.

This is totally contrary to what the Bible teaches, and you can use any version you choose, except the New World Translation and you will come to the same conclusion that Jesus is GOD! Look at these verses: "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us.'" (Matthew 1:21)

Jesus said to the religious leaders, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad. Then the Jews said to Him, 'You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham? Jesus said to them, Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM. Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by." (John 8:56-59)

After the resurrection Jesus appeared to the disciples and He said to Thomas, 'Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.' And Thomas answered and said to Him, 'My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, 'Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:27-29)

There are so many other verses, but let me encourage you to read my article, and also Walter R. Martin's book: The Kingdom of the Cults, he has a lot about this false religion. Then there is a quick reference guide by Ron Rhodes. He has written Jehovah's Witnesses, What you need to Know by Harvest House Publishers Eugene, Oregon 97402.

Gary T. Panell

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Keywords: deity, trinity, Godhead