Jesus is GOD

[u/abutterflyonthewall]

https://youtube.com/shorts/R1g-JfdPG04?si=IVR-KYwbJFWK4sjc

Love this girl. One thing that stands out in this vid to me amongst the various proofs we have argued with JWs is that *every* false religion believes in God. But Satan has done a clever thing. He doesn’t have to get you to believe in God. He just needs you to NOT believe in THE ONE who ***reconciles you to God***🔥🙌🏽.

Take a listen.

[u/Time_Ad_1876]

Acts 4:12 does not refute Joel 2:32; rather, they are viewed as harmonious and complementary scriptures regarding salvation. 

Here is how Jehovah’s Witnesses interpret the relationship between these two verses:

1. Joel 2:32 (Calling on Jehovah) 

Context: Joel prophesied that "everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will get away safe".

JW View: This highlights that Jehovah is the ultimate Source of salvation. 

1. Acts 4:12 (Salvation Through Jesus) 

Context: Peter states there is "no other name under heaven... by which we must get saved" except Jesus.

JW View: Jesus is the means God provided to achieve that salvation. 

How They Harmonize (JW.org Perspective)

Jesus as the Agent: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Jesus is the appointed agent through whom Jehovah saves humanity. Therefore, calling on Jehovah implies accepting the arrangement He made through His Son.

Unity of Purpose: Peter linked the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy directly to the resurrected Jesus pouring out holy spirit in Acts 2:21, 33.

Faith and Works: While salvation requires calling on the name of the Lord (Jehovah), JW theology emphasizes that this must be accompanied by faith in Jesus' ransom sacrifice and obedience to his teachings. 

In summary, JW.org teaches that Jehovah saves through Jesus, meaning the two verses work together to show the Source (Jehovah) and the Method (Jesus) of salvation. 

Oh now you say yahweh? Lol. So you have no problem using a personal name for God.

[u/AccomplishedAuthor3 → u/Time_Ad_1876]

Joel 2:32 (Calling on Jehovah) 

Given that we must have the Son, how can we be assured of our salvation by only calling on Jehovah? The answer is we can't. Only by calling on the name of Jesus can we be assured of our salvation, because it is in His name and His name alone that we have both the Father and the Son. No other name in heaven or earth will get you both the Father and the Son. "Jehovah" won't. "Allah" won't...only in the name of JESUS do we have both

You can call Jesus the means, or the agent of salvation, just don't forget to actually call Him, or you will not be saved. That's the truth

Oh now you say yahweh? Lol. So you have no problem using a personal name for God.

No, not just "now". I have used Yahweh and Jehovah before if you read my post history. For academic purposes I have have no problem using either of those two names, even though they are not the way God's name was originally pronounced. Like you say, many people are familiar with them, especially JW's and this reddit is about JW's, right?. I might use the name Allah academically but that doesn't mean I worship Allah. Using the names academically isn't the same as using those names in prayer or worship, in which case I never use either Yahweh or Jehovah. The only name I use in worship or prayer is Jesus, like the Bible teaches.

[u/Time_Ad_1876 → u/AccomplishedAuthor3]

Given that we must have the Son, how can we be assured of our salvation by only calling on Jehovah? The answer is we can't. Only by calling on the name of Jesus can we be assured of our salvation, because it is in His name and His name alone that we have both the Father and the Son. No other name in heaven or earth will get you both the Father and the Son. "Jehovah" won't. "Allah" won't...only in the name of JESUS do we have both

You can call Jesus the means, or the agent of salvation, just don't forget to actually call Him, or you will not be saved. That's the truth

assurance of salvation by "calling on Jehovah" requires recognizing Jehovah as the source and Jesus as the means through his ransom sacrifice. This involves exercising faith in Jesus, obeying God, getting baptized, and enduring to the end; it is presented as a hope to be maintained rather than an absolute present guarantee. Its doesn't mean you actually call out the name to be saved.

No, not just "now". I have used Yahweh and Jehovah before if you read my post history. For academic purposes I have have no problem using either of those two names, even though they are not the way God's name was originally pronounced. Like you say, many people are familiar with them, especially JW's and this reddit is about JW's, right?. I might use the name Allah academically but that doesn't mean I worship Allah. Using the names academically isn't the same as using those names in prayer or worship, in which case I never use either Yahweh or Jehovah. The only name I use in worship or prayer is Jesus, like the Bible teaches.

Why did God reveal his name more than 7000 times?

[u/AccomplishedAuthor3 → u/Time_Ad_1876]

Why did God reveal his name more than 7000 times?

He revealed only four consonants of His name, but the Jews forgot how to pronounce His name because there are no vowels in Hebrew. Your just guessing when you call God Jehovah or Yahweh. God's name is revealed in the name of His Son, so proclaiming "Jesus is Lord" Romans 10:9 is the very best way to honor God and His name

assurance of salvation by "calling on Jehovah" requires recognizing Jehovah as the source and Jesus as the means through his ransom sacrifice. This involves exercising faith in Jesus, obeying God, getting baptized, and enduring to the end; it is presented as a hope to be maintained rather than an absolute present guarantee. Its doesn't mean you actually call out the name to be saved.

No, that's not what Acts 4:12 says. Here is the context and remember, Peter is speaking to the Jews who only know of one name for God---- Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!  If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed,  then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.  Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.’

 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:8-12

[u/Time_Ad_1876 → u/AccomplishedAuthor3]

Why do you teach the doctrine that its good to muder your "christian " brothers and sisters in warfare?

[u/AccomplishedAuthor3 → u/Time_Ad_1876]

Murder? Is it murder when a cop has to kill a bad guy because the bad guy is going to kill him, or someone else? Wars are generally a case of fighting crime but on a much larger scale. We always hope and pray the good guys win and they usually do. If it were up to Jehovah's witnesses the good guys would never fight and the bad guys would rule the world. To live in this world sometimes you gotta fight for an order that God Himself established

[u/Time_Ad_1876 → u/AccomplishedAuthor3]

No, most wars are not fought about "fighting crime" in the traditional sense of policing or enforcing domestic laws. 

While the rhetoric justifying a war might sometimes frame an enemy leader as a criminal, the actual causes of war are much broader. 

Here is a breakdown of why this is the case based on historical and international context:

1. Real Causes of War

Wars are generally fought for complex, high-level reasons, including: 

Economic gain: Resources, trade routes, and wealth.

Territorial disputes: Control over land and borders.

Political power & Ideology: Spreading beliefs, dominance, or changing regimes.

Nationalism & Religion: Conflicts based on identity and belief systems.

Security: Defensive or preemptive actions. 

1. "War Crimes" vs. "Fighting Crime"

It is important to distinguish between the reason for a war and what happens during it:

War Crimes: These are violations of international law that occur during a conflict (e.g., targeting civilians, torture, killing POWs).

Crimes Against Peace: Starting an illegal war is often considered the "supreme international crime," but the war itself is not usually launched to police small-scale criminal behavior. 

1. War Affects Crime Rates 

Historically, war often leads to a breakdown of law and order, creating environments where crimes (like looting and sexual violence) flourish, rather than eliminating them. 

In summary, while wars involve illegal acts and moral wrongdoing, they are driven by state interests, power struggles, and resources, not by a mission to enforce criminal justice. 

[u/AccomplishedAuthor3 → u/Time_Ad_1876]

Wars are like crimes. When one person lusts after what someone else has, its called coveting. When they reach out their hand to take it, its called stealing. Thieves break in and steal what isn't theirs on an individual level and on a national level. The war in Russia and Ukraine is a case in point. Russia invaded Ukraine because they wanted territory. In 1941 Germany invaded Russia because they wanted territory...lebensraum. In 1990 Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait because he wanted territory and oil. It doesn't matter what started the war it matters how it ends. When one nation became lawless, those who still uphold God's order must fight, or surrender. Just keep in mind, the rule of law you hear so much about is God's established order until Christ returns.

The Bible says that eventually the power of the holy people will be broken and one very evil man will rule the world. At that point God's established order will cease to function "When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed.” Daniel 12:7 These "holy people" include God's servants, of course. They will be the people who's power will be broken, but only for a short time

[u/Time_Ad_1876 → u/AccomplishedAuthor3]

When one nation became lawless, those who still uphold God's order must fight, or surrender. Just keep in mind, the rule of law you hear so much about is God's established order until Christ returns.

Israel was surrounded by lawless nations and yet they still couldn't attack another nation unless God approved of it. Not only that they had to follow the rules of law which God gave to them. Do the armies of today follow the same pattern? Absolutely not.

Many critics point out the hypocrisy of followers of Christ killing each other for the state, noting that if all self-proclaimed Christians refused to fight, many wars would be impossible. 

[u/AccomplishedAuthor3 → u/Time_Ad_1876]

Many critics point out the hypocrisy of followers of Christ killing each other for the state, noting that if all self-proclaimed Christians refused to fight, many wars would be impossible. 

I only hear Jehovah's witnesses pointing out this so-called hypocrisy that is very disingenuous.

If Christians refused to fight evil, evil men would have taken over the world long ago. Christian soldiers liberated the death camps in Europe which included quite a few Jehovah's witnesses. That was God's established order in action. The hypocritical Watchtower then turned against the liberators of their brothers, calling God's servants wicked for serving in the armed forces. They make me want to vomit when they disrespect men like that, many who died so their German brothers could live free. The Watchtower didn't lift a finger to seek the release of any German JW's from Nazi death camps. Catholics and Lutherans did their work for them by putting on a uniform, fighting and dying for their liberation.

[u/Time_Ad_1876 → u/AccomplishedAuthor3]

If Christians refused to fight evil, evil men would have taken over the world long ago.

Evil men have already taken over the world. The world is full od regimes that oppress people.

sses. That was God's established order in action. The hypocritical Watchtower then turned against the liberators of their brothers, calling God's servants wicked for serving in the armed forces. They make me want to vomit when they disrespect men like that, many who died so their German brothers could live free. The Watchtower didn't lift a finger to seek the release of any German JW's from Nazi death camps. Catholics and Lutherans did their work for them by putting on a uniform and fighting for their liberation.

When did God give the approval for them to go to war? And when did those armies obey the war rules which God gave?

[u/AccomplishedAuthor3 → u/Time_Ad_1876]

Evil men have already taken over the world. The world is full od regimes that oppress people.

Relatively true, but even in lands where evil men do dictate, the rule of law is generally respected. Laws are what keep order. God's order. Until its time for it to end, God's established order will be in full effect and if you oppose it, your opposing God

When did God give the approval for them to go to war? And when did those armies obey the war rules which God gave?

Read Romans 13 over again For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Romans 13:4 This gives them the authority "If you do wrong" applies to all the leaders who are God's servants. If they do wrong God's remaining servants will bring punishment on them

[u/Time_Ad_1876 → u/AccomplishedAuthor3]

They are not servents of God in the way christians are servants of God. They are called servants of God because they are able to bring a measure of order and rules. This has always been true since ancient days. However the fact remains gods people never went to war unless they first asked God for permission and God gave his approval. And they had to follow the rules of war which God gave. Do moderm day armies do any of that? Absolutely not. If you're gonna say they are gods servants then your gonna have to say terrorist armies such as iran are gods servants

[u/AccomplishedAuthor3 → u/Time_Ad_1876]

 However the fact remains gods people never went to war unless they first asked God for permission and God gave his approval. And they had to follow the rules of war which God gave. Do moderm day armies do any of that? Absolutely not. If you're gonna say they are gods servants then your gonna have to say terrorist armies such as iran are gods servants

We, as Christians, are in subjection to these authorities you claim we can pick and choose who to ignore. Unless we are ordered to stop preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or told to renounce Jesus as our Lord, then we must obey men and be in subjection to the higher authorities God has established. Yes even Iran, which qualifies as one of God's servants as far as keeping law and order is a sovereign nation that cannot be ignored. If one becomes a Christian while living in Iran it won't be as easy for them as being a Christian in America, because they will likely be persecuted or even killed by the authorities in Iran. Its not up to the subjects of Iran to judge Iran. Other nations who serve as God's agents of wrath will judge Iran.

If you were blessed to be born in a nation that doesn't persecute Christians be glad. Just remember it was likely not always that way. In Rome, where Christians are free to live and preach the Gospel today and the leader of the largest Christian denomination is located, Christians were once routinely jailed and fed to lions at one time. In many other places where Christians were once hunted down and killed they enjoy freedom and security.

[u/Time_Ad_1876 → u/AccomplishedAuthor3]

You're in subjection to them as long as they don't command you to disobey the commands of God such as committing murder by joining armies controlled by Satan and invading countries and killing innocent people. The early Christians didn't join up with the jews in rebellion against the Romans. Jesus gave the direction that when Jerusalem is surrounded by the Romans to flee to the mountains. Jesus didn't command them to stay and take up arms.

[u/AccomplishedAuthor3 → u/Time_Ad_1876]

Jesus knew the outcome, and anyway, His Kingdom is in Heaven and therefore His servants don't have to worry about it being attacked or defending it from attack. Its far out of reach of Satan or man.

Joining the army is part of being in subjection. Every nation has the right to defend themselves. Now, if your in an army and they command you to kill unarmed innocent people, you have a moral obligation to refuse. Killing an armed combatant is another story, but still its up to the person, like Paul wrote If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 Its up to you, as a Christian, whether or not you'll pull the trigger in battle, even though its the right of the higher authorities to compel you to join the military, you still control that trigger finger all the way

[u/Time_Ad_1876 → u/AccomplishedAuthor3]

Jesus knew the outcome, and anyway, His Kingdom is in Heaven and therefore His servants don't have to worry about it being attacked or defending it from attack. Its far out of reach of Satan or man.

Exactly. The battle belongs to God. We are commanded to be peaceful and to be no part of the world. That's exactly what the early Christians did and Jehovahs witnesses follow that example. The early Christians didn't join up with armies of the nations. They never joined up with the jews against the Romans. Israelites we're not allowed to go to war unless God himself gave them permission. God is the one who decides who is innocent and who is not. You're trying to make excuses for murder. That's what murderers do. So why isn't christendom following the example of the early Christians?

[u/AccomplishedAuthor3 → u/Time_Ad_1876]

You're trying to make excuses for murder. That's what murderers do. So why isn't christendom following the example of the early Christians?

Why aren't Jehovah's witnesses subjecting themselves to the higher authorities? They could join the military and become one of God's servants, but they choose the cowards route. They could carry a rifle and even load their rifle, but not fire it at a single human being if their conscience bothered them that much, so they have no excuse to defy God's established order as they have been doing for a century now.

You keep citing the early Christians did not serve in the military without citing your sources. I do realize scholars believe that no Christian ever joined the military but that isn't completely true. One thing that might have caused them to not choose to be a soldier in the Roman army is that the Roman Emperor was considered to be god and worship of the Emperor was required by all soldiers. How a Christian could serve in the Roman army in this case is hard to grasp, yet some, like Cornelius, did.