New Year's Eve/Day
The Bible admonishes Christians to "walk decently, not in revelries and drunken bouts." (Romans 13:12-14; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Peter 4:3) Since New Year's festivities are often characterized by the very excesses that the Bible condemns, Christians do not participate in these excesses. The Bible admonishes Christians to be moderate and self-controlled in their conduct. (1 Timothy 3:2, 11)
In addition, New Year's celebrations are rooted in pagan customs as can be read about in the references quoted in the paragraphs below. False worship is unclean and detestable in the eyes of Jehovah God, and Christians reject practices that have such origins. (Deuteronomy 18:9-12; Ezekiel 22:3, 4) The apostle Paul wrote: "What fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Belial?" For good reason, Paul added: "Quit touching the unclean thing."—2 Corinthians 6:14-17.
"In ancient Rome, the first day of the year was given over to honoring Janus, the god of gates and doors and of beginnings and endings. . . . New Year's Day became a holy day in the Christian Church in A.D. 487, when it was declared the Feast of the Circumcision. At first, parties were not allowed on this day because the pagans had followed that custom. This was gradually changed and celebrations could again be held." -The 1966 World Book Encyclopedia, Volume 14, page 237
New Year's festivities are not new. Ancient inscriptions indicate that they were held in Babylon as early as the third millennium B.C.E. The celebration, which was observed in mid-March, was crucial. "At that time the god Marduk decided the destiny of the country for the coming year," says The World Book Encyclopedia. The Babylonian new year celebration lasted 11 days and included sacrifices, processions, and fertility rites.
For a time, the Romans too began their year in the month of March. But in 46 B.C.E., Emperor Julius Caesar decreed that it should begin on the first of January. That day was already dedicated to Janus, the god of beginnings, and now it would also mark the first day of the Roman year. The date changed, but the carnival atmosphere persisted. On the first of January, people "gave themselves up to riotous excess and various kinds of heathen superstition." -McClintock and Strong's Cyclopedia.
For more, see
Holidays
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Thursday, December 31, 2009
What english translation of the Bible is easy to understand and is the most accurate?
The reason that the New World Translation was printed was so that it would be without spot by creeds or traditions. It was meant to be a literal translation that faithfully presented what is in the original writings and a translation that would be clear and understandable to modern-day readers.
As for it's accuracy, the New World Translation has been found to be "one of the most accurate English translations of the New Testament currently available" and is "the most accurate of the [8 major] translations compared." - Truth in Translation: Accuracy and Bias in English Translations of the New Testament by Jason BeDuhn, associate professor of religious studies at Northern Arizona University, in Flagstaff, Arizona
Also see Comments made by Professor Benjamin Kedar of Israel concerning THE NEW WORLD TRANSLATION OF THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES.
For more, see
How does the accuracy of the New World Translation Bible compare to other translations?
How accurate is the NWT?
And
Where Can I Find The New World Translation Online?
As for it's accuracy, the New World Translation has been found to be "one of the most accurate English translations of the New Testament currently available" and is "the most accurate of the [8 major] translations compared." - Truth in Translation: Accuracy and Bias in English Translations of the New Testament by Jason BeDuhn, associate professor of religious studies at Northern Arizona University, in Flagstaff, Arizona
Also see Comments made by Professor Benjamin Kedar of Israel concerning THE NEW WORLD TRANSLATION OF THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES.
For more, see
How does the accuracy of the New World Translation Bible compare to other translations?
How accurate is the NWT?
And
Where Can I Find The New World Translation Online?
Where did Cain get his wife?
Acts 17:26 says that God "made out of one man every nation of men, to dwell upon the entire surface of the earth”.
So if Adam and Eve were the only humans at that time, where did Cain get his wife?
The answer can be found in the Genesis account itself:
Gen. 5:4 says, "And the days of Adam after his fathering Seth came to be eight hundred years. Meanwhile he became father to sons and daughters."
So, when Cain was banished from the Garden of Eden and went to “the land of Fugitiveness to the east of Eden,” he took with him his wife...an anonymous daughter of Adam and Eve. (Gen. 4:16, 17)
Another natural question arises. Was Jehovah God fostering what is now called “incest” by arranging matters so that the first children of Adam would marry one another - brothers marrying sisters?
No. The first parents were originally created as perfect by God and even though their children inherited their sin (Rom. 5:12) they would still have been born closest in line to perfection. There would have been no family weaknesses to be passed on and accentuated by the marriage of near relatives, as is the case today, when the sinful human race has greatly deteriorated and many genetic defects exist. Even after Adam had sinned, his descendants lived as long as 969 years in the days before the Flood. - Gen. 5:27.
Accordingly, it took a long time for genetic defects to become so numerous and so grouped in family lines that it became dangerous to the offspring for close relatives to marry. Even Abraham, some 2,000 years after the creation of Adam, married his half sister. (Gen. 20:12) Not until God gave the Mosaic law (about 500 years later) did He prohibit close family marriage unions among the people of Israel. - Lev. 18:6-18
For more, see:
Does the bible condone incest? (jwitness forum)
So if Adam and Eve were the only humans at that time, where did Cain get his wife?
The answer can be found in the Genesis account itself:
Gen. 5:4 says, "And the days of Adam after his fathering Seth came to be eight hundred years. Meanwhile he became father to sons and daughters."
So, when Cain was banished from the Garden of Eden and went to “the land of Fugitiveness to the east of Eden,” he took with him his wife...an anonymous daughter of Adam and Eve. (Gen. 4:16, 17)
Another natural question arises. Was Jehovah God fostering what is now called “incest” by arranging matters so that the first children of Adam would marry one another - brothers marrying sisters?
No. The first parents were originally created as perfect by God and even though their children inherited their sin (Rom. 5:12) they would still have been born closest in line to perfection. There would have been no family weaknesses to be passed on and accentuated by the marriage of near relatives, as is the case today, when the sinful human race has greatly deteriorated and many genetic defects exist. Even after Adam had sinned, his descendants lived as long as 969 years in the days before the Flood. - Gen. 5:27.
Accordingly, it took a long time for genetic defects to become so numerous and so grouped in family lines that it became dangerous to the offspring for close relatives to marry. Even Abraham, some 2,000 years after the creation of Adam, married his half sister. (Gen. 20:12) Not until God gave the Mosaic law (about 500 years later) did He prohibit close family marriage unions among the people of Israel. - Lev. 18:6-18
For more, see:
Does the bible condone incest? (jwitness forum)
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Does it matter if Jesus died on a cross?
"The Greek word for `cross' (Stau·ros´) means primarily an upright stake or beam, and secondarily a stake used as an instrument for punishment and execution." - Douglas' New Bible Dictionary of 1985 under "Cross," page 253. The word "Stau·ros´ in both the classical Greek and Koine carries no thought of a "cross" made of two timbers. It means only an upright stake, pale, pile, or pole.
But even if we ignore the evidence and assume that Jesus was killed on a cross, the most important thing is that the cross should not be venerated. Whether it was an upright single torture stake, a cross, an arrow, a lance, or a knife, should such an instrument really be used in worship?
Not only should the thought of venerating the very instrument of Jesus' execution be revolting in itself, but the symbol of the cross is also a pagan symbol...idolatry that God commands us to not even "touch":
"Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? . . . `Quit touching the unclean thing.'" (2 Corinthians 6:14, 17)
“Guard yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21)
“What agreement does God’s temple have with idols?” (2 Corinthians 6:16)
For more, see:
Did Jesus Really Die on a Cross? - What Does the Cross Symbolize?
Should Icons Be Used in Worship?
But even if we ignore the evidence and assume that Jesus was killed on a cross, the most important thing is that the cross should not be venerated. Whether it was an upright single torture stake, a cross, an arrow, a lance, or a knife, should such an instrument really be used in worship?
Not only should the thought of venerating the very instrument of Jesus' execution be revolting in itself, but the symbol of the cross is also a pagan symbol...idolatry that God commands us to not even "touch":
"Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? . . . `Quit touching the unclean thing.'" (2 Corinthians 6:14, 17)
“Guard yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21)
“What agreement does God’s temple have with idols?” (2 Corinthians 6:16)
For more, see:
Did Jesus Really Die on a Cross? - What Does the Cross Symbolize?
Should Icons Be Used in Worship?
What is the great tribulation and how extensive will it be?
Jesus' disciples asked Jesus when the "the conclusion of the system of things" would take place. (Mt. 24:3)
Jesus then spoke of future signs that would mark his presence and of a “great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.” (Mt 24:21)
The apostle Paul referred to the execution of God’s judgment upon the ungodly as tribulation:
“This takes into account that it is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you, but, to you who suffer tribulation, relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus.” (2 Thess. 1:6-8)
As to the extent of this tribulation, Jesus said that it will be on a scale “such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again. In fact, unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved”. - Mt 24:21, 22
Because the global flood occurred "since the world's beginning", presumably the extent of the great tribulation would surpass even that.
2 Tim. 3:1 says that "in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here." "Critical" means vital...life or death.
But the scriptures assure us that after the Great Tribulation and Armageddon, paradise on earth will be restored:
For more, see:
Should You Fear the Great Tribulation?
ARMAGEDDON - A Happy Beginning
THE LAST DAYS - WHEN?
Jesus then spoke of future signs that would mark his presence and of a “great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.” (Mt 24:21)
The apostle Paul referred to the execution of God’s judgment upon the ungodly as tribulation:
“This takes into account that it is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you, but, to you who suffer tribulation, relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus.” (2 Thess. 1:6-8)
As to the extent of this tribulation, Jesus said that it will be on a scale “such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again. In fact, unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved”. - Mt 24:21, 22
Because the global flood occurred "since the world's beginning", presumably the extent of the great tribulation would surpass even that.
2 Tim. 3:1 says that "in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here." "Critical" means vital...life or death.
But the scriptures assure us that after the Great Tribulation and Armageddon, paradise on earth will be restored:
For more, see:
Should You Fear the Great Tribulation?
ARMAGEDDON - A Happy Beginning
THE LAST DAYS - WHEN?
Can the Genesis account and Adam and Eve be believed?
It is noteworthy that Jesus believed in the Genesis account:
Matthew 19:4-6: “Did you not read, that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female?"
Jesus’ disciples also believed the Genesis account of creation. Luke’s Gospel account traces Jesus’ genealogy all the way back to Adam. (Luke 3:23-38)
The New Testament validates Genesis and the Old Testament throughout. Hebrews Chapter 11 is just one of many examples.
2 Tim. 3:16 says that "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness."
And deeply studying it can bring great enlightenment:
"Ponder over these things; be absorbed in them, that your advancement may be manifest to all [persons]. (1 Tim. 4:15)
"If you keep seeking for it as for silver, and as for hid treasures you keep searching for it, in that case...you will find the very knowledge of God." (Prov. 2:4,5)
For more, see:
Does Science Contradict the Genesis Account?
Can You Trust the Bible?
The Bible—A Book From God
True Teachings That Please God
Matthew 19:4-6: “Did you not read, that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female?"
Jesus’ disciples also believed the Genesis account of creation. Luke’s Gospel account traces Jesus’ genealogy all the way back to Adam. (Luke 3:23-38)
The New Testament validates Genesis and the Old Testament throughout. Hebrews Chapter 11 is just one of many examples.
2 Tim. 3:16 says that "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness."
And deeply studying it can bring great enlightenment:
"Ponder over these things; be absorbed in them, that your advancement may be manifest to all [persons]. (1 Tim. 4:15)
"If you keep seeking for it as for silver, and as for hid treasures you keep searching for it, in that case...you will find the very knowledge of God." (Prov. 2:4,5)
For more, see:
Does Science Contradict the Genesis Account?
Can You Trust the Bible?
The Bible—A Book From God
True Teachings That Please God
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Does the Bible say that animals are souls?
"Soul", in the original-language terms ("Ne´phesh" in Hebrew and "psy·khe´" in Greek) means a person, an animal, or the life that a person or an animal enjoys.
The common misconception is that a “soul” is a part of man that separates from the body at death and goes on living. But the Bible shows that Man is a soul:
Quoting Gen. 2:7, 1 Cor. 15:45 says: "It is even so written: `The first man Adam became a living soul.'" (This shows that the Christian Greek Scriptures agree with the Hebrew Scriptures as to what the soul is.)
Both ne´phesh and psy·khe´ are also used to mean life—not merely as an abstract force or principle - but life as a creature, human or animal.
The following are a few scriptures showing that animals are souls:
Gen. 1:20, 21, 24, 25: "God went on to say: `Let the waters swarm forth a swarm of living souls . . . ' And God proceeded to create the great sea monsters and every living soul that moves about, which the waters swarmed forth according to their kinds, and every winged flying creature according to its kind. . . . And God went on to say: `Let the earth put forth living souls according to their kinds . . . ' And God proceeded to make the wild beast of the earth according to its kind and the domestic animal according to its kind and every moving animal of the ground according to its kind." (In Hebrew, the word for "soul" here is ne´phesh. Some translations use the rendering "creature[s].")
Lev. 24:17, 18: "In case a man strikes any soul [Hebrew, ne´phesh] of mankind fatally, he should be put to death without fail. And the fatal striker of the soul [Hebrew, ne´phesh] of a domestic animal should make compensation for it, soul for soul." (See that the same Hebrew word for soul is applied to both mankind and animals.)
Rev. 16:3: "It became blood as of a dead man, and every living soul died, yes, the things in the sea."
For more, see
Do You Have an Immortal Soul?
“Soul” and “Spirit”—What Do These Terms Really Mean?
The common misconception is that a “soul” is a part of man that separates from the body at death and goes on living. But the Bible shows that Man is a soul:
Quoting Gen. 2:7, 1 Cor. 15:45 says: "It is even so written: `The first man Adam became a living soul.'" (This shows that the Christian Greek Scriptures agree with the Hebrew Scriptures as to what the soul is.)
Both ne´phesh and psy·khe´ are also used to mean life—not merely as an abstract force or principle - but life as a creature, human or animal.
The following are a few scriptures showing that animals are souls:
Gen. 1:20, 21, 24, 25: "God went on to say: `Let the waters swarm forth a swarm of living souls . . . ' And God proceeded to create the great sea monsters and every living soul that moves about, which the waters swarmed forth according to their kinds, and every winged flying creature according to its kind. . . . And God went on to say: `Let the earth put forth living souls according to their kinds . . . ' And God proceeded to make the wild beast of the earth according to its kind and the domestic animal according to its kind and every moving animal of the ground according to its kind." (In Hebrew, the word for "soul" here is ne´phesh. Some translations use the rendering "creature[s].")
Lev. 24:17, 18: "In case a man strikes any soul [Hebrew, ne´phesh] of mankind fatally, he should be put to death without fail. And the fatal striker of the soul [Hebrew, ne´phesh] of a domestic animal should make compensation for it, soul for soul." (See that the same Hebrew word for soul is applied to both mankind and animals.)
Rev. 16:3: "It became blood as of a dead man, and every living soul died, yes, the things in the sea."
For more, see
Do You Have an Immortal Soul?
“Soul” and “Spirit”—What Do These Terms Really Mean?
Are there many gods, or is there only one God?
The Bible says that even though many gods exist, there is only "one true God"...the Father. (John 17:3)
Anything that is worshiped can be termed a god. Satan is even called “The god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). A person can even let his belly be a god. (Rom. 16:18; Php 3:18, 19) The Bible makes mention of many gods (Ps 86:8; 1Co 8:5, 6), but it shows that the gods of the nations are valueless gods. (Ps 96:5)
The Bible says that "there are those who are called “gods,” whether in heaven or on earth, just as there are many “gods” and many “lords” (1 Cor. 8:5). But the scripture goes on to say that "there is actually to us one God the Father". (1 Cor. 8:6)
People long ago realized this and exclaimed: “Jehovah is the true God! Jehovah is the true God!” (1 Kings 18:39)
And Jesus reaffirmed this by calling the "Father...the only true God." (John 17:1-3)
For more, see
God and gods - What is a god and who have been 'gods'?
Is There Only One True God?
WHO IS “the Only True God”?
Identifying the Only True God
“Those Who Are Called ‘Gods’”
Anything that is worshiped can be termed a god. Satan is even called “The god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). A person can even let his belly be a god. (Rom. 16:18; Php 3:18, 19) The Bible makes mention of many gods (Ps 86:8; 1Co 8:5, 6), but it shows that the gods of the nations are valueless gods. (Ps 96:5)
The Bible says that "there are those who are called “gods,” whether in heaven or on earth, just as there are many “gods” and many “lords” (1 Cor. 8:5). But the scripture goes on to say that "there is actually to us one God the Father". (1 Cor. 8:6)
People long ago realized this and exclaimed: “Jehovah is the true God! Jehovah is the true God!” (1 Kings 18:39)
And Jesus reaffirmed this by calling the "Father...the only true God." (John 17:1-3)
For more, see
God and gods - What is a god and who have been 'gods'?
Is There Only One True God?
WHO IS “the Only True God”?
Identifying the Only True God
“Those Who Are Called ‘Gods’”
What is the Big Bang Theory?
God had to have created the universe in some specific fashion. If the current scientific evidence supports it, then why couldn't it be possible for God to have created the universe through a 'Big Bang'? For someone to consider it possible that God used the Big Bang as the way that the universe began does not need to mean that they believe in a Creator-less universe.
The fact that all existing energy came into existence from nothing at all (in defiance of known physical law) actually lends favor to Genesis 1:1 where it says: "In [the] beginning God created the heavens and the earth." The Bible doesn't tell us exactly how God made the universe but it definitely shows us that He was the who made everything:
"Of course, every house is constructed by someone, but he that constructed all things is God." (Heb. 3:4)
"His invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world's creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable." (Romans 1:20)
“Raise YOUR eyes high up and see. Who has created these things? It is the One who is bringing forth the army of them even by number, all of whom he calls even by name. Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one [of them] is missing." (Isaiah 40:26)
"The heavens are declaring the glory of God; and of the work of his hands the expanse is telling." (Psalm 19:1)
For more, see:
Big Bang Theory - Links to Information (Search Results From the Watchtower Online Library)
Monday, December 28, 2009
How is Man Made in God's Image? (Gen. 1:26)
As to the actual form or shape of God’s body, "at no time has anyone beheld God" (1 John 4:12) because "God is a Spirit" (John 4:24). So it would seem unreasonable to liken man’s body to God’s body.
Note that the Scriptures do not say that God created man in the image of a wild beast or of a domestic animal or of a fish. Man was made "in God’s image"; he was a "son of God." (Lu 3:38)
Man is "in God’s image" in that he was created with moral qualities like those of God, such as love and justice. (Compare Col. 3:10) He also has powers and wisdom above those of animals, so that he can appreciate the things that God enjoys and appreciates, such as beauty and the arts, speaking, reasoning, and similar processes of the mind and heart of which the animals are not capable. Man is also capable of spirituality...the knowing and having communication with God. (1 Cor. 2:11-16; Heb 12:9) It was these reasons that man was qualified to be God’s representative and to have in subjection the forms of creature life in the skies, on the earth, and in the sea.
When God said "Let us make man in our image" at Gen. 1:26, Jehovah God was speaking to His Son Jesus, His Master Worker, the first-born of all creation (and, possibly, to the rest of the angels also), who were also made in God's image. (Pr 8:30, 31; also compare John 1:1-3; Col 1:15-17) Also see Did Jesus have a pre-human existence?
For more, see
In the Image of God or Beast?
Note that the Scriptures do not say that God created man in the image of a wild beast or of a domestic animal or of a fish. Man was made "in God’s image"; he was a "son of God." (Lu 3:38)
Man is "in God’s image" in that he was created with moral qualities like those of God, such as love and justice. (Compare Col. 3:10) He also has powers and wisdom above those of animals, so that he can appreciate the things that God enjoys and appreciates, such as beauty and the arts, speaking, reasoning, and similar processes of the mind and heart of which the animals are not capable. Man is also capable of spirituality...the knowing and having communication with God. (1 Cor. 2:11-16; Heb 12:9) It was these reasons that man was qualified to be God’s representative and to have in subjection the forms of creature life in the skies, on the earth, and in the sea.
When God said "Let us make man in our image" at Gen. 1:26, Jehovah God was speaking to His Son Jesus, His Master Worker, the first-born of all creation (and, possibly, to the rest of the angels also), who were also made in God's image. (Pr 8:30, 31; also compare John 1:1-3; Col 1:15-17) Also see Did Jesus have a pre-human existence?
For more, see
In the Image of God or Beast?
Did Satan have more power than Michael according to the account at Jude 9?
Jude 9 says:
"But when Mi´cha·el the archangel had a difference with the Devil and was disputing about Moses’ body, he did not dare to bring a judgment against him in abusive terms, but said: “May Jehovah rebuke you.”'
Because Jude 9 says that "he did not dare to bring a judgment against him in abusive terms but said: “May Jehovah rebuke you”, shows that Michael COULD have rebuked Satan but humbly left the judgement up to God at that time.
Also, the Bible clearly shows that Michael has prevailed over Satan:
"And war broke out in heaven: Mi´cha·el and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battled but it did not prevail, neither was a place found for them any longer in heaven. So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him." (Rev. 12:7-9)
"But when Mi´cha·el the archangel had a difference with the Devil and was disputing about Moses’ body, he did not dare to bring a judgment against him in abusive terms, but said: “May Jehovah rebuke you.”'
Because Jude 9 says that "he did not dare to bring a judgment against him in abusive terms but said: “May Jehovah rebuke you”, shows that Michael COULD have rebuked Satan but humbly left the judgement up to God at that time.
Also, the Bible clearly shows that Michael has prevailed over Satan:
"And war broke out in heaven: Mi´cha·el and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battled but it did not prevail, neither was a place found for them any longer in heaven. So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him." (Rev. 12:7-9)
According to the Bible, what was the time span between Adam’s creation to the Flood?
1,656 years.
Genesis 5:1-29 and 7:6 outlines this:
From Adam’s creation to the birth of Seth: 130 years
Then to the birth of Enosh: 105 years
To the birth of Kenan: 90 years
To the birth of Mahalalel: 70 years
To the birth of Jared: 65 years
To the birth of Enoch: 62 years
To the birth of Methuselah: 65 years
To the birth of Lamech: 187 years
To the birth of Noah: 182 years
To the Flood: 600 years
Total: 1,656 years
Genesis 5:1-29 and 7:6 outlines this:
From Adam’s creation to the birth of Seth: 130 years
Then to the birth of Enosh: 105 years
To the birth of Kenan: 90 years
To the birth of Mahalalel: 70 years
To the birth of Jared: 65 years
To the birth of Enoch: 62 years
To the birth of Methuselah: 65 years
To the birth of Lamech: 187 years
To the birth of Noah: 182 years
To the Flood: 600 years
Total: 1,656 years
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Is Colossians 1:15 really saying that Jesus Christ is the "FIRSTBORN of all creation"? (Colossians 1:15)
Yes.
However, some trinitarians insist that the literal "firstborn of all creation" describing Jesus at Col. 1:15 really means "the pre-eminent one over all creation."
Prototokos ("first-born"), literally means "born first" - see Young's Analytical Concordance - or Strong's Exhaustive Concordance. The New Testament in the King James Version and most other trinitarian translations use this meaning throughout. Here are all the instances of prototokos in the NT: Matt. 1:25 (King James only); Luke 2:7; Ro. 8:29; Col. 1:15; Col. 1:18; Heb. 1:5, 6; Heb. 11:28; Heb. 12:23; Rev. 1:5 (compare Col. 1:18). None of them clearly means "pre-eminent". Not only do all of these scriptures that use prototokos have either the certain or the most probable meaning of "first-born," but we rarely (if ever) see any Bible translate them as anything but "first-born" or its literal equivalent except at Col. 1:15-18 where the actual meaning would disprove a trinity concept! A few trinitarian translations force an improper interpretation for prototokos at this scripture only (e.g. NIV, NEB).
The use of the word prototokos in the Bible always means one who has come into existence first in time - before all the rest of his "brothers" - the beginning (arkhe) of his father's creative (or procreative) works. - see pp. 77-88 in Dr. Jason BeDuhn's Truth in Translation, University Press of America, 2003.
Yet some trinitarians, however, still insist that the Biblical use of the Greek prototokos can, sometimes, mean "pre-eminent" because they dare not admit the obvious, true, literal meaning of Col. 1:15.
For much more, see:
Col. 1:15 "Firstborn of all creation" (Examining the Trinity)
'Beginning,' 'Wisdom,' and 'Firstborn' - BWF (Examining the Trinity)
God's "firstborn" (prototokos) Colossians 1:15 (JWitness Forum)
Why doesn't the Sahidic Coptic text see a "genitive of subordination" at Colossians 1:15? (Yahoo Answers)
Col. 1:15 in the NWT (In Defense of The New World Translation)
Wes Williams' Response to Dr. Keay on "Firstborn of all Creation." (Jehovah's Witnesses United)
Wes Williams and Rob Bowman discussion concerning Prwtotokos (Jehovah's Witnesses United)
Who Is Jesus Christ? (WBTS)
However, some trinitarians insist that the literal "firstborn of all creation" describing Jesus at Col. 1:15 really means "the pre-eminent one over all creation."
Prototokos ("first-born"), literally means "born first" - see Young's Analytical Concordance - or Strong's Exhaustive Concordance. The New Testament in the King James Version and most other trinitarian translations use this meaning throughout. Here are all the instances of prototokos in the NT: Matt. 1:25 (King James only); Luke 2:7; Ro. 8:29; Col. 1:15; Col. 1:18; Heb. 1:5, 6; Heb. 11:28; Heb. 12:23; Rev. 1:5 (compare Col. 1:18). None of them clearly means "pre-eminent". Not only do all of these scriptures that use prototokos have either the certain or the most probable meaning of "first-born," but we rarely (if ever) see any Bible translate them as anything but "first-born" or its literal equivalent except at Col. 1:15-18 where the actual meaning would disprove a trinity concept! A few trinitarian translations force an improper interpretation for prototokos at this scripture only (e.g. NIV, NEB).
The use of the word prototokos in the Bible always means one who has come into existence first in time - before all the rest of his "brothers" - the beginning (arkhe) of his father's creative (or procreative) works. - see pp. 77-88 in Dr. Jason BeDuhn's Truth in Translation, University Press of America, 2003.
Yet some trinitarians, however, still insist that the Biblical use of the Greek prototokos can, sometimes, mean "pre-eminent" because they dare not admit the obvious, true, literal meaning of Col. 1:15.
For much more, see:
Col. 1:15 "Firstborn of all creation" (Examining the Trinity)
'Beginning,' 'Wisdom,' and 'Firstborn' - BWF (Examining the Trinity)
God's "firstborn" (prototokos) Colossians 1:15 (JWitness Forum)
Why doesn't the Sahidic Coptic text see a "genitive of subordination" at Colossians 1:15? (Yahoo Answers)
Col. 1:15 in the NWT (In Defense of The New World Translation)
Wes Williams' Response to Dr. Keay on "Firstborn of all Creation." (Jehovah's Witnesses United)
Wes Williams and Rob Bowman discussion concerning Prwtotokos (Jehovah's Witnesses United)
Who Is Jesus Christ? (WBTS)
Do Jehovah's Witnesses Celebrate Anything?
Jehovah's Witnesses have been known to celebrate wedding anniversaries, anniversaries of special events, graduations, etc. Jehovah's Witnesses love to have fun and desire to have fun just like everyone else. The following articles provide just a few examples:
Cross-Country Skiing - Is It for You?
Do You Spend Time With Your Family?
Healthy Fun ON TWO WHEELS
As for an actual observance, Jehovah's Witnesses do observe the Memorial of Christ’s death as true Christians were commanded to observe by Jesus Christ himself. (1 Cor. 11:24-26)
For more, see
The Lord’s Evening Meal—An Observance That Honors God
However, true christians who wish to show exclusive devotion to God strive to avoid ceremonies or customs that may have pagan origins. And basically, most holidays have pagan origins.
Exodus 23:13 shows how exclusive the worship of God must be:
"Be careful to do everything I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips." (NIVSB)
So if pagan ceremonies, customs, god names, etc. are mixed in with ceremonies, customs, etc. that we use today, they are detestable to God. We must completely get away from them:
"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." - 2 Cor. 6:17
For more, see
Beware of Customs That Displease God
Holidays
Cross-Country Skiing - Is It for You?
Do You Spend Time With Your Family?
Healthy Fun ON TWO WHEELS
As for an actual observance, Jehovah's Witnesses do observe the Memorial of Christ’s death as true Christians were commanded to observe by Jesus Christ himself. (1 Cor. 11:24-26)
For more, see
The Lord’s Evening Meal—An Observance That Honors God
However, true christians who wish to show exclusive devotion to God strive to avoid ceremonies or customs that may have pagan origins. And basically, most holidays have pagan origins.
Exodus 23:13 shows how exclusive the worship of God must be:
"Be careful to do everything I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips." (NIVSB)
So if pagan ceremonies, customs, god names, etc. are mixed in with ceremonies, customs, etc. that we use today, they are detestable to God. We must completely get away from them:
"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." - 2 Cor. 6:17
For more, see
Beware of Customs That Displease God
Holidays
Jesus Saves - How?
First, why do we die? The Bible says: “Through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Romans 5:12)
Because God's Law to ancient Israel required "soul for soul [or, life for life]" (Exodus 21:23), the divine principle that could cover mankind's transgressions would have to equal what the first perfect man (Adam) had lost. Therefore, only the death of another perfect man could pay the wages of sin.
That perfect man was "Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all." (1 Tim. 2:5, 6)
Jesus was originally in heaven, "but he emptied himself and took a slave’s form and came to be in the likeness of men." (Phil. 2:7) Jehovah God did this when He transferred the life of His Son Jesus to the womb of Mary. By means of God’s holy spirit, Jesus was born as a perfect human and was not under the penalty of sin. - Luke 1:35
By sacrificing, or giving up, his perfect life in flawless obedience to God, Jesus paid the price for Adam’s sin. Jesus thus brought hope to Adam’s offspring. - Romans 5:19; 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22
By means of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice, we can receive “the forgiveness of our sins.” (Colossians 1:13, 14) We also have the hope of everlasting life on a paradise earth: “The wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23)
For more, see
Jesus Saves—How?
The Ransom—God’s Greatest Gift
Living Forever—Is It Possible? You Can Live Forever
Life Beyond the Grave - It Is Possible!
What Happens After You Die?
Because God's Law to ancient Israel required "soul for soul [or, life for life]" (Exodus 21:23), the divine principle that could cover mankind's transgressions would have to equal what the first perfect man (Adam) had lost. Therefore, only the death of another perfect man could pay the wages of sin.
That perfect man was "Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all." (1 Tim. 2:5, 6)
Jesus was originally in heaven, "but he emptied himself and took a slave’s form and came to be in the likeness of men." (Phil. 2:7) Jehovah God did this when He transferred the life of His Son Jesus to the womb of Mary. By means of God’s holy spirit, Jesus was born as a perfect human and was not under the penalty of sin. - Luke 1:35
By sacrificing, or giving up, his perfect life in flawless obedience to God, Jesus paid the price for Adam’s sin. Jesus thus brought hope to Adam’s offspring. - Romans 5:19; 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22
By means of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice, we can receive “the forgiveness of our sins.” (Colossians 1:13, 14) We also have the hope of everlasting life on a paradise earth: “The wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23)
For more, see
Jesus Saves—How?
The Ransom—God’s Greatest Gift
Living Forever—Is It Possible? You Can Live Forever
Life Beyond the Grave - It Is Possible!
What Happens After You Die?
Saturday, December 26, 2009
What About Trinity "Proof Texts"?
The following links lead to research showing how the most frequently used so-called 'Proof Texts' are not proof of the Trinity in any way.
(Links to more guides can be found at the bottom of this list.)
Gen. 1:26
Gen. 1:26 - "Let Us Make Man in Our Image" (SFBT); This scripture prove Trinity? (SFBT); Image (Examining the Trinity); How is Man Made in God's Image? (Gen. 1:26) (SFBT); ("Let us make man in our image") - ELOHIM 3-6; I-AM 5; (Examining the Trinity); Is there a hope of an afterlife for animals? (SFBT)
Gen. 19:24
Gen. 19:24 ("Jehovah rained down fire ... from Jehovah") (Examining the Trinity)
Ps. 45:6
"Your throne, O God" - HEB (Examining the Trinity); God and gods (SFBT); How is Jesus a god? (SFBT)
Isa. 6:3
"Holy, Holy, Holy" - Is. 6:3 (SFBT)
Isa. 9:6
Isa. 9:6 "Mighty God, Eternal Father" (Examining the Trinity); Isa. 9:6 - NWT (DNWT); NAME - “Jesus,” “Immanuel,” and Is. 9:6 (Examining the Trinity); BOWGOD (God and gods) (Examining the Trinity); Does Isa. 9:6 prove that Jesus is God? (SFBT); Why is Jesus called "Mighty God" at Isa. 9:6? (SFBT); One God in Three? (Pastor Russell; Heading: "No Trinity in the “Old Testament”'); How does the Codex Sinaiticus render Is. 9:6? (JWQ&A); How is translated Isaiah 9:6 in old Aramaic Targums? (JWQ&A)
Isa. 42:8
Heb. 1:3 / Isa. 42:8 Does Jesus really share Jehovah's Glory? (Examining the Trinity)
Isa. 43:11
Isa. 43:11 / 2 Pet. 3:18 Jehovah only Savior; Jesus Savior (SFBT); Title Confusion Trick "Saviour" (Examining the Trinity); How many saviors at Isaiah 43:11? (jwitness forum); A short exchange on "savior" and Isaiah 43:11 (INDNWT)
Isa. 44:6
Isa. 44:6 "pronoun confusion trick" (Examining the Trinity); Isa. 44:6 / Rev. 1:17 "First and the Last" (SFBT)
Isa. 48:16
Isa. 48:16; Trinitarian "speaker confusion" trick (SFBT)
Jer. 23:6
"Jehovah Is Our Righteousness" - NAME 4 (Examining the Trinity); Why is Jesus called Mighty God? (SFBT)
Micah 5:2
Micah 5:2 (Examining the Trinity); BWF - 'Beginning,' 'Wisdom,' and 'Firstborn' (6th par. down; Examining the Trinity); Is Micah 5:2 saying that Jesus' ORIGIN was “from early times”? (SFBT); Who created Jesus? (SFBT); Did Jesus have a beginning (Micah 5:2)? (jwitness forum); Micah 5:2 (JW Stand Firm)
Hab. 1:12
Habakkuk 1:12 (INDNWT); Why does the NWT render Habakkuk 1:12 "Are you not from long ago, O Jehovah? O my God, my Holy One, you do not die", when many other Bibles render it as "O LORD, my God, my Holy One? We will not die."? (JWQ&A); Scribal notes (JWQ&A); "King of Eternity" did not die, but His Son did (JWQ&A)
Zech. 12:10
Zech 12:10 / John 19:37 (DNWT); Zech. 12:10 "...they shall look upon me whom they have pierced." (DNWT); Zechariah 12:10 (INDNWT)
Mt. 1:22,23
Matt. 1:23 ("Immanuel") - NAME 2 (Examining the Trinity); How was it that "all things were made through (Jesus)"? (Vs. 22) (SFBT); How and why did Jesus come to Earth? (SFBT); Jesus merely a man? (SFBT); Should Jesus really be considered to be God because he was symbolically “named” Immanuel (Isa. 7:14; Mt. 1:23) which means “God is with us”? (SFBT)
Mt. 12:32
Blasphemy to Christ: forgiven; to HS: not - HS (Last 20 par.) (and f.n.#10 &11);(Examining the Trinity); BOWHS (f.n.) (Examining the Trinity); Matthew 12:32 "whoever says something against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven" (Examining the Trinity)
Mt. 28:19
What does Mt. 28:19 mean? (JWQ&A; Quote from WT 2002 April 1st); Mt. 28:19 "...in the NAME of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit" (Examining the Trinity); Mt. 28:19 - NWT (DNWT); Does Mt. 28:19 prove that the Holy Spirit is God? (SFBT); Concerning Mt. 28:19... (JWQ&A); 2 Cor.13:14 "Jesus", "God", "and the...Holy Spirit" (SFBT); Shem Tov's Hebrew Matthew 14th century manuscripts (JWQ&A); Some comments by scholars and translators (JWQ&A); Online references that discuss the possible spurious origins of Matt. 28:19 (JWQ&A)
In Defense of the New World Translation. John 1:1 files (INDNWT); John 1:1 - A Number of Trinitaran Translations and Scholars Admit "a god" (Defending the NWT); Defending the charge that the NWT translators made up a rule for the word for "God/god" (theos). (Defending the NWT); How does the Coptic text render John 1:1? (VIDEO AT BOTTOM OF POST; SFBT); The Coptic Language and John 1:1 (SFBT); John 1:1c - English translation: "The Word was a god." (SFBT); John 1:1 "and the Word was" (pastorrussell); "and the Word was divine." (pastorrussell); Should John 1:1 read: "And the Word was divine"? (JWQ&A); "and the word was with (pros) God." (JWQ&A); John 1:1c Primer (Examining the Trinity); DEFinite John 1:1c (Examining the Trinity); Harner's JBL 'Qualitative' Article (Examining the Trinity); HARNER: JBL 'Qualitative' Article Refuted (Examining the Trinity); QUAL ("Qualitative" John 1:1c) (Examining the Trinity); SEPTGOD (John 1:1c and the Septuagint) (Examining the Trinity); Logos (The 'Word') (Examining the Trinity); VIDEO: John 1:1 Part 1 and Part 2 (SFBT); John 1:1 was examined by Origen in his "Commentary on John." (JWQ&A); IF God is a trinity, then how is it that “the Word (Jesus) was WITH God”? (John 1:1) (SFBT); Is the New World Translation the only Bible to phrase John 1:1c as "the Word was A God"? (SFBT); NWT - John 1:1 (Defending the NWT); "Was" and "Beginning" in John 1:1 (Examining the Trinity); If Jesus is not God, how can he be a god? (SFBT); God and gods - What is a god and who have been called 'gods'? (SFBT); Video: "Early Jewish and Christian Monotheism - The Early use of "God" and the Christological Implications" (SFBT); God and gods (from BOWGOD study) (Examining the Trinity); Was the Word “God” or “a god”? (pastorrussell); If the Father is the "only true God" (John 17:3), does that mean that Jesus is a false god? (SFBT); Why is Jesus called "Mighty God" at Isa. 9:6? (SFBT); The Holy Trinity (pastorrussell); They call me Trinity (pastorrussell); What About Trinity "Proof Texts"? (WBTS); The Truth About the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (WBTS); Is Jesus God? (WBTS); “Those Who Are Called 'Gods'” (WBTS); Is There Only One True God? (WBTS); Jn 1:1 NWT - Mantey (DNWT); Jn 1:1 Martin (DNWT); John 1:1c - English Translation: "The Word was a god." (SFBT); With God? (SFBT)
RU - Jesus Raised Himself? (Examining the Trinity); The Trinity and John 2:19-22 (JW United)
John 5:18 "...making himself equal to God" (Examining the Trinity); John 5:18 - What is this scripture saying? (JWQ&A)
John 5:23 - "That all may honor the Son JUST AS [kathos] they honor the Father." - NIV (Examining the Trinity)
John 6:7-15 Holy Spirit as a "he" (Examining the Trinity); Why, in John 16:7, is the holy spirit spoken of as a "helper"? (Examining the Trinity)
John 8:19
What did Jesus actually say at John 8:58? (SFBT); John 8:58 "I AM"; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4 (Endnotes) (Examining the Trinity); In Defense of the New World Translation. John 8:58 files (INDNWT); Stafford's "'ANI HU and the LXX of Isaiah" (INDNWT); Sahidic Coptic John 8:58 and Sahidic Coptic Exodus 3:14 (Sahidic Coptic Insight on NT Verses); What About...John 8:58? (From God's Word); John 8:58 (Bible Translation and Study; Scroll down to First Scriptural Heading); Miscellaneous Questions about the New World Translation (Jn 8:58) (Bible Translation and Study; Scroll down to Fifth Heading); What About Trinity "Proof Texts"? (WBTS; Scroll down to 5th Heading); How do we know that 'I Am' at Ex. 3:14 in KJV is incorrect? (JWQ&A); Jesus' reply had to do with the length of his existence...not his identity (JWQ&A); Luke 23:43 and the New World Translation (SFBT)
Did Jesus raise himself up from the dead (John 10:17-18)? (SFBT); RU - Jesus Raised Himself? (Examining the Trinity)
ONE - John 10:30 (Examining the Trinity); In John 10:30, does Jesus say that he and his Father are one person? (SFBT); What About Trinity "Proof Texts"? - John 10:30 (WBTS; 2nd heading down)
John 10:33 "a god" or "God"? (Examining the Trinity); THEON (Examining the Trinity); MY GOD 8-9; (Examining the Trinity); How is Jesus a god? (SFBT); John 1:1c - English Translation: "The Word was a god." (vs. 33) (SFBT); How is John 10:33 translated in the coptic? (JWQ&A)
Seen Me: Seen Father - John 14:7-9 (Examining the Trinity)
John 14:14
John 14:14 (DNWT); Words Omitted (John 14:14) (DNWT); What kind of prayers are heard by God? (SFBT); Ask Who? (jwitness forum); John 14:14: To "me" or not to "me", that is the question (Sahidic Coptic Insight on NT Verses); The Sahidic Coptic of John 14:14 (JWQ&A)
John 20:28 "My God" (DNWT); MY GOD (Examining the Trinity); Why did Thomas say "My Lord and my God" at John 20:28? (SFBT); Why did the apostle Thomas exclaim "My Lord and my God!" at John 20:28? (JWQ&A); John 20:28 - Is Jesus Given the Title 'ho theos'? (Bible Translation and Study; Scroll down to 3rd Scriptural Heading); God and gods (SFBT); How is Jesus a god? (SFBT)
Acts 5:3, 4 Lied to the Holy Spirit...lied to God? (Examining the Trinity); Acts 5:3 "play false" (INDNWT); The Doctrine of the Trinity and Acts 5:3, 4 (JW United); The Holy Spirit - God's Active Force (JW United)
Acts 8:29
Acts 10:38
"Anointed with Holy Spirit" (Examining the Trinity)
Acts 13:2
Acts 13:2 "The holy spirit said: “...for the work to which I have called them.'” (Examining the Trinity); The Holy Spirit "speaks" at Acts 13:2 ('Reasoning From Scripture' Archive)
Acts 20:28
Acts 20:28 ("God...with his own blood") (DNWT); ACTS 20:28 (In Defense of the NWT); Does Acts 20:28 really say that God bought the church with his "own" blood? (SFBT); Acts 20:28 ("God...with his own blood") (Examining the Trinity); A Response to Alleged New World Translation "Errors" (Jehovah's Witnesses United); "The Sahidic Coptic version...does not speak of 'the church of God which he purchased with his own blood,' (Acts 20:28) (NWT and Coptic); God bought church with His own blood?; (SFBT); How does the 2nd/3rd century Sahidic Coptic version translate this text? (JWQ&A); Does God have blood (Acts 20:28)? (jwitness forum
Acts 28:25
Acts 28:25 "The holy spirit aptly spoke through Isaiah" (Examining the Trinity)Rom. 8:27
Rom. 8:27 (phronema) (INDNWT); Rom. 8:27 - Why is the Greek word translated differently in the NWT? (Jehovah's Witnesses United); Rom. 8:27 "Mind of the Spirit" (Examining the Trinity)
Rom. 9:5
ROM. 9:5 - " ... Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen." - KJV (DNWT); AO - Speaker Confusion (Listing #6) (Examining the Trinity); Is Rom. 9:5 really proof that Jesus is God? - " ... Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen." - KJV (SFBT); ROMANS 9:5: Is the Christ here "God"? (IDNWT); "God Over All" in Romans 9:5: Translation Issues and Theological Import (JW United); "The Coptic text of Romans 9:5 has some ambiguity, it appears to be less so than the Greek, and points clearly to two entities -- Christ and God" (Sahidic Coptic Insight on NT Verses)
1 Cor. 8:5,6
How was it that "all things were made through (Jesus)"? (Vs. 6) (SFBT); 'Unitized Title' Vs. 'Title with Identifiers' (1 Cor. 8:6) (Examining the Trinity); 1 Cor. 8:5,6 ("To us one God, the Father") - TC 6-7 (and f.n.'s #4, 6); BWF 3-4 ("source")
1 Cor. 12:11
1 Cor. 12:11 "The holy spirit wills" (Examining the Trinity); Do scriptures personifying the "Holy Spirit" mean that it is a person? (SFBT)
2 Cor. 3:17
2 Cor. 3:17 "The Lord is the Spirit." (Examining the Trinity)
2 Cor. 4:4
2 Cor. 4:4 "Christ, who is the image of God" (Examining the Trinity); Image (Examining the Trinity); Does Gen. 1:26 prove Trinity? (SFBT)
2 Cor. 13:14
2 Cor. 13:14 "the sharing in" (INDNWT); 2 Cor.13:14 "Jesus", "God", "and the...Holy Spirit" (SFBT); HS fn. #13 (Examining the Trinity); 2 Cor. 13:14 "Jesus", "God", "and the...Holy Spirit" (Examining the Trinity); 2 Cor.13:14 "Jesus", "God", "and the...Holy Spirit" (Examining the Trinity)
Eph. 4:30 "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit" (Examining the Trinity); How can the Holy Spirit be "grieved"? (SFBT); What about scriptures that seem to show the Holy Spirit being personified? (SFBT)
Eph. 5:5
Eph. 5:5 (Examining the Trinity); SHARP'S RULE - Pt 1 (Examining the Trinity); SHARP'S Rule - Pt 2 (Endnotes) (Examining the Trinity); 'Sharp's Rule' Primer (Examining the Trinity); Sharp's Rule (A response to a major accusation made by Robert H. Countess) (DNWT); Titus 2:13 "Sharp's Rule" (DNWT); Trinitarian Apologetics: A Case Study Involving Rob Bowman and Granville Sharp (Jehovah's Witnesses United)
Phil. 2:6
PHIL 2:6; Part 2 - Notes (Examining the Trinity); NWT - Criticism by Zondervan's So Many Versions? - "[Other]" and Phil. 2:6 (DNWT); New World Translation and Philippians 2:6 (INDNWT); What does it mean when Phil. 2:6 says that Jesus was in God's form? (SFBT); Huparchon (or `Uparchon') - Does the word `being' in Philippians 2:6 [KJV], really literally mean `remaining or not ceasing to be'? (SFBT); God and gods (SFBT)
Why does the NWT at Col. 2:9 state that in Jesus "all the fullness of the divine quality dwells bodily," where as other translations state that in Jesus "dwells the fullness of Deity or the Godhead?'"; (DNWT) Does Col. 2:9 prove that Jesus is God? (SFBT); Col. 2:9 - "Fulness of Deity" (Examining the Trinity); "Theotes simply does not literally mean "godhead," and the use of "godhead" by the KJV translators was not intended as some would understand it today..." (JWQ&A); "The Fullness of the Divine Quality" in Colossians 2:9 (Bible Translation and Study)
SHARP'S RULE - Pt 1 (Examining the Trinity); SHARP'S Rule - Pt 2 (Endnotes) (Examining the Trinity); 'Sharp's Rule' Primer (Examining the Trinity); Sharp's Rule (A response to a major accusation made by Robert H. Countess) (DNWT); Titus 2:13 "Sharp's Rule" (DNWT); Trinitarian Apologetics: A Case Study Involving Rob Bowman and Granville Sharp (Jehovah's Witnesses United)
1 Tim. 3:16
1 Tim. 3:16 God "manifest in the flesh" KJV (Examining the Trinity); How does the 2nd/3rd century Sahidic Coptic version translate this text? (JWQ&A); Did God become flesh (1 Tim 3: 16)? (jwitness forum)
1 Tim. 5:21
SHARP'S RULE - Pt 1 (Examining the Trinity); SHARP'S Rule - Pt 2 (Endnotes) (Examining the Trinity); 'Sharp's Rule' Primer (Examining the Trinity); Sharp's Rule (A response to a major accusation made by Robert H. Countess) (DNWT); Titus 2:13 "Sharp's Rule" (DNWT); Trinitarian Apologetics: A Case Study Involving Rob Bowman and Granville Sharp (Jehovah's Witnesses United); 2 Cor.13:14 "Jesus", "God", "and the...Holy Spirit"
SHARP'S RULE - Pt 1 (Examining the Trinity); SHARP'S Rule - Pt 2 (Endnotes) (Examining the Trinity); 'Sharp's Rule' Primer (Examining the Trinity); Sharp's Rule (A response to a major accusation made by Robert H. Countess) (DNWT); Titus 2:13 "Sharp's Rule"; (DNWT); Trinitarian Apologetics: A Case Study Involving Rob Bowman and Granville Sharp (Jehovah's Witnesses United)
Heb. 1:3
Heb. 1:3 `He [Jesus] is the reflection of his [God's] glory' (Examining the Trinity); Heb. 1:3 / Isa. 42:8 Does Jesus really share Jehovah's Glory? (Examining the Trinity)
Heb. 1:6
Heb. 1:6 "All angels of God worship him" KJV (Examining the Trinity) Worship (as used in Scripture) (Examining the Trinity); Worship or Obeisance? (Bible Translation and Study); PROSKYNEO-Always "Worship"? (In Defense of The New World Translation); Heb. 1:6 - "Let all the angels of God worship him [Jesus]." (JWQ&A); Heb. 1:6 "All angels of God worship him" KJV (SFBT); Should we worship Jesus (Hebrews 1: 6; Matthew 1:2)? (jwitness forum); Did Jehovah's Witnesses worship Jesus prior to 1954? (jwitnessforum); Instance of prototokos in NT (SFBT)
Heb. 1:8 "Thy Throne O God" (Examining the Trinity); Hebrews 1:8 "Thy throne, O God" (DNWT); Heb. 1:8 (INDNWT); George Wesley Buchanan and Hebrews 1 (INDNWT)
2 Pet. 1:1
Trinity "Proof Texts"SHARP'S RULE - Pt 1 (Examining the Trinity); SHARP'S Rule - Pt 2 (Endnotes) (Examining the Trinity); 'Sharp's Rule' Primer (Examining the Trinity); Sharp's Rule (A response to a major accusation made by Robert H. Countess) (DNWT); Trinitarian Apologetics: A Case Study Involving Rob Bowman and Granville Sharp (Jehovah's Witnesses United)
2 Pet. 3:18
Isa. 43:11 / 2 Pet. 3:18 Jehovah only Savior; Jesus Savior; (SFBT); Title Confusion Trick "Saviour" (Examining the Trinity)
1 John 5:7
The 'Johannine Comma' - 1 John 5:7 (INDNWT); But Your Bible's Been Changed! (From God's Word); Newton proved that the words in 1 John 5:7 were spurious... (Pastor Russell); 1 John 5:7 (KJV) (Examining the Trinity); How does the accuracy of the New World Translation Bible compare to other translations? (SFBT); 1 John 5:7 proof of the Trinity? (SFBT); "Word" and 1 John 5:7, KJV ("Oneness") (JWQ&A); "Jehovah" in the New Testament (end notes) (SFBT, 10th par. end note #1, 10th par. "Zondervan")
1 John 5:8
1 John 5:8 (Examining the Trinity); Trinitarian reasoning - water and blood persons too? (SFBT); How can the Holy Spirit be "grieved"? (SFBT); What about scriptures that seem to show the Holy Spirit being personified? (SFBT)
1 John 5:20
Translating "In" (DNWT); 1 John 5:20 "True God" (DNWT); 1 John 5:20 "We are in him that is true, even in his Son, Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life." - KJV (Examining the Trinity); 1 John 5:20 (INDNWT); "The Only True God" (Examining the Trinity) If the Father is the "only true God" (John 17:3), does that mean that Jesus is a false god? (SFBT); The Bible’s Viewpoint - Is There Only One True God? (WBTS); Is Jesus Christ God? WHO IS “the Only True God”? (WBTS)
Rev. 1:8
Rev. 1:8 "Alpha and Omega" (Examining the Trinity); Is Jesus the "Alpha and the Omega" (Rev. 1:8)? (jwitness forum)
Rev. 1:17
Isa. 44:6 / Rev. 1:17 "First and the Last" (SFBT); Title Confusion Trick - "First and Last" (Is. 44:6; Rev. 1:17) (Examining the Trinity)
Rev. 5:6
Throne (Rev. 22:1) (Examining the Trinity); Rev. 5:6 and Rev. 5:13 "Throne" (Examining the Trinity); "Jehovah" in the New Testament; "Holy, Holy, Holy" - Is. 6:3 (SFBT)
Rev. 5:6 and Rev. 5:13 "Throne" (Examining the Trinity)
Rev. 22:1
Throne (Rev. 22:1) (Examining the Trinity)
Rev. 22:13
Alpha and Omega (AO) - Speaker Confusion Trick (Examining the Trinity); Is Jesus the "Alpha and the Omega" (Rev. 1:8)? (jwitness forum)
More material:
Trinity 'Proof' Texts Refuted (From In Defense of The New World Translation of The Holy Scriptures)
What About Trinity "Proof Texts"? (From the Official Website of Jehovah's Witnesses)
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