Power of Reason | Story From Sergei

Power of Reason vs. Twisted Things

“Therefore, I appeal to you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason. And stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, so that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:1-2

“Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son. I know that after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” – Acts 20:28-30

How many of us have asked ourselves: Why don’t other people understand me? Why don’t they hear what I’m saying? While the ability to truly hear and understand is often limited by a lack of accurate knowledge, knowledge alone, unsupported by personal experience, is not enough. Any real science must be backed by practical experiments and evidence.

For those familiar with the Bible, consider Adam and Eve’s attempt to grasp knowledge simply by taking from the forbidden fruit. This act didn’t provide them with the understanding that would allow them to become like God or to live forever. In their case, the experimental part—the practical application of their decision—did not validate their pretension of being equal to God. Instead, they became victims of false information, an absolute lie, and twisted reasoning that corrupted their power of logic. This set them on a path of self-destruction by rejecting God’s words.

Can we, too, fall victim to twisted reasoning? As shown in the scriptures referenced earlier, this possibility concerned even the apostle Paul. Those who are familiar with deeper biblical truths know that Jesus foretold the rise of the "Son of Destruction" and the sowing of "weeds" by the Devil, which were destined to flourish. The apostles repeatedly warned their fellow Christians about this development, emphasizing its far-reaching effects.

In today’s era of information, these distinctions are becoming increasingly apparent—even to atheists, as I once was. The tools and evidence available make it easier to discern the difference between truth and twisted reasoning. Through this book, I share my personal experience to help others who are also searching for clarity and seeking to distinguish between truth and deception.

In this chapter, I want to explore how the revelation of the Sons of God helps us discern truth from deception. Jesus himself addressed this issue, asking the same fundamental question: Why do some people fail to understand? Since Jesus’ identity as the Son of God is universally recognized among Christians—regardless of denomination—I hope that his reasoning can guide us in settling differences and uncovering clarity.

Let’s begin with his profound statement, which directly ties to the theme of this chapter:"Why do you not understand what I am saying? Because you cannot listen to my word. You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father. That one was a murderer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of the lie. Because I, on the other hand, tell you the truth, you do not believe me. Who of you convicts me of sin? If I speak truth, why is it that you do not believe me? The one who is from God listens to the sayings of God. This is why you do not listen, because you are not from God.” —John 8:43-47

Jesus encountered two distinct groups of people: those who listened to him and those who could not. This contrast was as clear as black and white. But why? Jesus himself draws the conclusion: some are connected to God, while others are connected to the Devil.

It’s a striking and sobering thought. Jesus distinguished between those from God and those from the Devil. Even more unsettling is the implication that some personalities are shaped by the Devil's influence. This raises an important question: Is it even possible for such individuals to repent?

I hold onto the hope expressed repeatedly in the Bible, such as in 2 Peter 3:9: "Jehovah does not desire anyone to be destroyed but for all to come to repentance." This hope reassures us that change is possible. However, until repentance occurs, such individuals remain unable to truly hear God's word or grasp the revelation of the Sons of God. Their disposition acts as a barrier, preventing them from accepting divine truth.

This spiritual reality challenges us to maintain patience and love while recognizing the limitations of reasoning with those not yet ready to listen. It also emphasizes the power of Jehovah’s spirit in softening hearts and opening minds when the time is right.

Let me introduce a real-life story that unfolded while I was on the mission to write this book. I believe this experience captures what many Jehovah's Witnesses face, echoing the challenges Jesus encountered. The story involves the exact same question Jesus addressed when he concluded why some people were unable to listen to him.

Beyond this, the investigation of the differences in this story serves as a vivid representation of how the power of reason triumphs over twisted logic. Through this account, you will find several significant differences unpacked between Jehovah's Witnesses and the understanding held by other Christians. These distinctions not only highlight the divergence in interpretation but also showcase the clarity that comes from carefully examining the scriptures and aligning them with Jehovah's revealed purpose.

A Witnessing Encounter: Wrestling with Twisted Logic

The evening of November 22nd, 2024, while holding a shift at the YUM Center as part of the Special Metropolitan Public Witnessing initiative in downtown Louisville, KY, a young man named Jeremy, likely in his late 20s or early 30s, approached me with a Bible in hand. I anticipated he might challenge my beliefs, but so what? Peter’s words gave me strength:“Who will harm you if you become zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are happy. However, do not fear what they fear, nor be disturbed. But sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone who demands of you a reason for the hope you have, but doing so with a mild temper and deep respect.” – 1 Peter 3:13-15

I reminded myself to stay positive and not suspect him of bad motives. I first commended his zeal for discussing faith, acknowledging that public declarations of faith form the foundation of Christianity. After all, this is how we come to know Jesus Christ and share his teachings as Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Our initial conversation centered around the importance of laboring in faith as a natural outcome of belief. It soon transitioned to the topic of salvation through accepting Jesus Christ. For Jehovah’s Witnesses, this is fundamental. We not only accept Jesus as our Savior but also closely follow his steps in our personal lives. This includes developing Christlike qualities, adopting his way of thinking, and preaching the same message he did—sanctifying Jehovah’s name and proclaiming God’s Kingdom as the only government capable of fulfilling Jehovah’s will (Matthew 6:9,10).

We are fully occupied with Christ’s message, whether house to house, in public locations, or even during our meals and daily activities. Yet, despite this dedication, many who identify as Christians accuse Jehovah’s Witnesses of not believing in Jesus Christ. People who make this claim often misunderstand the depth of Jesus’ teachings within the hearts of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Parallels with Jesus’ Opponents

The accusation that Jehovah's Witnesses misunderstand or misrepresent Jesus mirrors the opposition Jesus himself faced during his ministry. He was accused of claiming to be the Christ and the Son of God in ways his opponents found objectionable or threatening. During my recent conversation with Jeremy, he referenced John 8:24, emphasizing Jesus' words: "If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." According to Jeremy, my refusal to accept that "Jesus is Jehovah" meant I would be condemned. This wasn’t a passing comment—it was a core point that he repeated multiple times in different ways, using other scriptures to reinforce his argument. His reasoning is not unique; many hold similar views, drawing the same conclusion from this verse. I see how this event seamlessly fits into the main theme of my book: "The creation is waiting with eager expectation for the revealing of the sons of God." (Romans 8:19). If the future life—the eternal life promised in the Bible—truly depends on understanding who Jesus is, then it is absolutely worth dedicating time to carefully examine the identity and role of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

However, Jeremy's interpretation reflects a twisted logic that takes time to unpack, which is why I feel compelled to address it thoroughly. I am striving to stay away from passing judgment on Jeremy or those who share the same logic. However, I must remain honest with myself about what I believe. If I perceive a twisted logic, I feel compelled to separate myself from such reasoning. It is essential for me to be crystal clear about what I see as truth and what I see as falsehood.

I do not think that Jeremy, or any other individual, is the originator of a lie. Instead, I reconcile with the biblical truth Jesus expressed: the Devil is "the father of the lie" (John 8:44). This means that all lies originate from this source. How people fall victim to lies is another question altogether. I do not feel free to judge who or why someone possesses twisted logic. However, I have an obligation to myself to identify lies or twisted logic and distance myself from them. Especially when sharing my views with others, I want to ensure I am not guilty of spreading falsehoods. While I am committed to standing by what I believe is true, I refrain from judging others for their perceptions. Even Jesus demonstrated a reluctance to judge, despite the fact that all judgment has been entrusted to him by Jehovah. Consider these scriptures that highlight Jesus' approach:

John 8:15,16: "You judge according to the flesh; I do not judge any man at all.  And yet even if I do judge, my judgment is truthful, because I am not alone, but the Father who sent me is with me".

John 12:47-48: “If anyone hears my sayings and does not observe them, I do not judge him. For I came, not to judge the world, but to save the world. Whoever rejects me and does not receive my sayings has one to judge him. The word that I have spoken is what will judge him on the last day.”

John 5:22: “For the Father judges no one at all, but he has entrusted all the judging to the Son.”

By following Jesus’ example, I aim to focus on truth while leaving judgment in Jehovah’s hands. This approach allows me to maintain respect for others while standing firm in what I believe to be true.

According to Jeremy I will die because I don't believe that Jesus is Jehovah. How many people are attacked by the same logic? How many become fearful when confronted with opposing logic? Many today live in fear of judgment, particularly the idea of hellfire, and follow the reasoning of religious leaders without questioning the truthfulness of their statements. Yet Jesus came to "set free all those who were held in slavery all their lives by their fear of death."

Personally, I never feared punishment in hellfire, as I was an atheist and didn’t believe in such concepts. When I embraced Jesus’ teachings, he freed me from slavery to fear, and as a result, I no longer feared death either. However, even before learning Jesus’ teachings, I never embraced the twisted logic of a loving God burning sinners forever in fire. For many, though, fear of hellfire has been a motivating factor in bringing their lives into alignment with Bible standards.

So, no judgment from me about what or why people fear. However, I personally do not feel comfortable terrifying people with depictions of God’s judgment, of any kind even though I believe in eternal destruction as the ultimate outcome for the wicked and see that Jesus warned of this possibility, as reflected in the following passages:

“Serpents, offspring of vipers, how will you flee from the judgment of Ge·henʹna?" - Matthew 23:33

"Truly I say to you that all things will be forgiven the sons of men, no matter what sins they commit and what blasphemies they speak.  But whoever blasphemes against the holy spirit has no forgiveness forever but is guilty of everlasting sin.” He said this because they were saying: “He has an unclean spirit.” - Mark 3:28-30

"And do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Ge·henʹna." - Matthew 10:28

There is indeed such a concept as eternal destruction—not "eternal" in the sense that the process of destruction lasts forever for an individual, but rather as a permanent, once-and-forever destruction without hope of resurrection or another chance. The former is an example of twisted logic, while the latter aligns with the fundamental principle that "God is love."

This understanding often leads to discussions about what Jesus meant when he said: "It is better for you to enter one-eyed into the Kingdom of God than to be thrown with two eyes into Gehenna, where the maggot does not die and the fire is not put out." – Mark 9:47-48

This statement has frequently been exaggerated and misunderstood through the twisted logic of those who lose sight of the fact that God is love. While removing someone from the cycle of life could be seen as an act of love when that person becomes a source of harm to others—Jehovah God, after all, has taken lives as recorded in the Bible—the idea of burning a sinner’s soul forever in fire contradicts common sense and abuses the very concept of a loving Creator.

For those seeking a clear understanding of this statement by Jesus and how it aligns with Jehovah’s loving nature, ask yourself: Did Jesus say that the person does not cease in Gehenna, or that the maggot and the fire do not cease? Where, in Jesus’ time, did the maggot not die and the fire not go out?

To reconcile this statement with the principle that "God is love," it’s crucial to examine the cultural and historical context of Gehenna. The Insight on the Scriptures article on "Gehenna" offers valuable insights into the symbolic nature of this term and how it aligns with Jehovah’s just and loving character. This explanation helps dispel misunderstandings and demonstrates how Jesus’ words were a powerful illustration rather than a literal endorsement of eternal torment.

GEHENNA(Ge·henʹna) [Gr. form of the Heb. Geh Hin·nomʹ, “Valley of Hinnom”].This name appears 12 times in the Christian Greek Scriptures, and whereas many translators take the liberty to render it by the word “hell,” a number of modern translations transliterate the word from the Greek geʹen·na.—Mt 5:22, Ro, Mo, ED, NW, BC (Spanish), NC (Spanish), also the footnotes of Da and RS.The deep, narrow Valley of Hinnom, later known by this Greek name, lay to the S and SW of ancient Jerusalem and is the modern-day Wadi er-Rababi (Ge Ben Hinnom). (Jos 15:8; 18:16; Jer 19:2, 6; see HINNOM, VALLEY OF.) Judean Kings Ahaz and Manasseh engaged in idolatrous worship there, which included the making of human sacrifices by fire to Baal. (2Ch 28:1, 3; 33:1, 6; Jer 7:31, 32; 32:35) Later, to prevent such activities there in the future, faithful King Josiah had the place of idolatrous worship polluted, particularly the section called Topheth.—2Ki 23:10.No Symbol of Everlasting Torment. Jesus Christ associated fire with Gehenna (Mt 5:22; 18:9; Mr 9:47, 48), as did the disciple James, the only Biblical writer besides Matthew, Mark, and Luke to use the word. (Jas 3:6) Some commentators endeavor to link such fiery characteristic of Gehenna with the burning of human sacrifices that was carried on prior to Josiah’s reign and, on this basis, hold that Gehenna was used by Jesus as a symbol of everlasting torment. However, since Jehovah God expressed repugnance for such practice, saying that it was “a thing that I had not commanded and that had not come up into my heart” (Jer 7:31; 32:35), it seems most unlikely that God’s Son, in discussing divine judgment, would make such idolatrous practice the basis for the symbolic meaning of Gehenna. It may be noted that God prophetically decreed that the Valley of Hinnom would serve as a place for mass disposal of dead bodies rather than for the torture of live victims. (Jer 7:32, 33; 19:2, 6, 7, 10, 11) Thus, at Jeremiah 31:40 the reference to “the low plain of the carcasses and of the fatty ashes” is generally accepted as designating the Valley of Hinnom, and a gate known as “the Gate of the Ash-heaps” evidently opened out onto the eastern extremity of the valley at its juncture with the ravine of the Kidron.—Ne 3:13, 14.Therefore, the Biblical evidence concerning Gehenna generally parallels the traditional view presented by rabbinic and other sources. That view is that the Valley of Hinnom was used as a place for the disposal of waste matter from the city of Jerusalem. (At Mt 5:30 Ph renders geʹen·na as “rubbish heap.”) Concerning “Gehinnom,” the Jewish commentator David Kimhi (1160?-1235?), in his comment on Psalm 27:13, gives the following historical information: “And it is a place in the land adjoining Jerusalem, and it is a loathsome place, and they throw there unclean things and carcasses. Also there was a continual fire there to burn the unclean things and the bones of the carcasses. Hence, the judgment of the wicked ones is called parabolically Gehinnom.”Symbolic of Complete Destruction. It is evident that Jesus used Gehenna as representative of utter destruction resulting from adverse judgment by God, hence with no resurrection to life as a soul being possible. (Mt 10:28; Lu 12:4, 5) The scribes and Pharisees as a wicked class were denounced as ‘subjects for Gehenna.’ (Mt 23:13-15, 33) To avoid such destruction, Jesus’ followers were to get rid of anything causing spiritual stumbling, the ‘cutting off of a hand or foot’ and the ‘tearing out of an eye’ figuratively representing their deadening of these body members with reference to sin.—Mt 18:9; Mr 9:43-47; Col 3:5; compare Mt 5:27-30.Jesus also apparently alluded to Isaiah 66:24 in describing Gehenna as a place “where their maggot does not die and the fire is not put out.” (Mr 9:47, 48) That the symbolic picture here is not one of torture but, rather, of complete destruction is evident from the fact that the Isaiah text dealt, not with persons who were alive, but with “the carcasses of the men that were transgressing” against God. If, as the available evidence indicates, the Valley of Hinnom was a place for the disposal of garbage and carcasses, fire, perhaps increased in intensity by the addition of sulfur (compare Isa 30:33), would be the only suitable means to eliminate such refuse. Where the fire did not reach, worms, or maggots, would breed, consuming anything not destroyed by the fire. On this basis, Jesus’ words would mean that the destructive effect of God’s adverse judgment would not cease until complete destruction was attained.Figurative Use. The disciple James’ use of the word “Gehenna” shows that an unruly tongue is itself a world of unrighteousness and that one’s whole round of living can be affected by fiery words that defile the speaker’s body. The tongue of such a one, “full of death-dealing poison” and so giving evidence of a bad heart condition, can cause the user to be sentenced by God to go to the symbolic Gehenna.—Jas 3:6, 8; compare Mt 12:37; Ps 5:9; 140:3; Ro 3:13.The Biblical use of Gehenna as a symbol corresponds to that of “the lake of fire” in the book of Revelation.—Re 20:14, 15; see LAKE OF FIRE.

I know Judgment Day is coming, but I firmly believe it is not my place to judge others, nor do I believe in terrifying people with this fact. First and foremost, I see Judgment Day as a more positive event than a negative one. The Good News is truly good news! Judgment Day is not solely about punishment—it is about restoration, justice, and the establishment of righteousness. Here are some scriptures that emphasize the positive aspects of Jehovah’s judgment and the hope it brings:

"And the spirit of Jehovah will settle upon him, The spirit of wisdom and of understanding, The spirit of counsel and of mightiness, The spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah.  And he will find delight in the fear of Jehovah. He will not judge by what appears to his eyes, Nor reprove simply according to what his ears hear.  He will judge the lowly with fairness, And with uprightness he will give reproof in behalf of the meek ones of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth And put the wicked to death with the breath of his lips." - Isaiah 11:2-4.

"In the night I long for you with my whole being, Yes, my spirit keeps looking for you; For when there are judgments from you for the earth, The inhabitants of the land learn about righteousness.  Even if the wicked is shown favor, He will not learn righteousness. Even in the land of uprightness he will act wickedly, And he will not see the majesty of Jehovah."- Isaiah 26:9-10

“Look! My servant whom I chose, my beloved, whom I have approved! I will put my spirit upon him, and what justice is he will make clear to the nations.  He will not quarrel nor cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the main streets.  No bruised reed will he crush, and no smoldering wick will he extinguish, until he brings justice with success.  Indeed, in his name nations will hope.”- Matthew 12:18-21.

"He has set a day on which he purposes to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness, by a man whom he has appointed, and he has provided a guarantee to all men by resurrecting him from the dead.” - Acts 17:31

"Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, and those who pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in grief because of him." - Rev 1:7

The phrase in Revelation 1:7—"all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in grief because of him"—can indeed be understood in different ways. It is possible that this expression reflects both sorrowful repentance and deep humiliation, depending on the individual’s disposition and relationship with Jehovah. It may symbolize an awakening to the truth about Jesus Christ and Jehovah’s purpose. This could be a moment of genuine repentance, as they recognize their errors, feel remorse for rejecting or opposing Jesus, and humble themselves before Jehovah.

Not to be dogmatic, it is possible that for those who remain obstinate, their grief stems from the realization of their judgment and the consequences of their resistance to God’s sovereignty. In such a case, their grief may not be redemptive but instead an acknowledgment of lost opportunities and the inevitability of divine justice. However, who truly knows better? Only the Judge of the entire earth—Jehovah God—can assess the hearts and motives of individuals. Neither I nor Jeremy can definitively determine how these moments of grief will manifest in each person or what ultimate purpose they may serve. We can also trust Jesus, as the appointed man for this role, to execute judgment with perfect fairness and mercy. Interestingly, it seems that Jesus desires to share the responsibility of judgment with others, as indicated in his promise to his faithful followers. Consider his words in Luke 22:29,30:“However, you are the ones who have stuck with me in my trials;  and I make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom, and sit on thrones to judge the 12 tribes of Israel."

"Jesus said to them: “Truly I say to you, in the re-creation, when the Son of man sits down on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel." - Matthew 19:28

"...who have been sanctified in union with Christ Jesus, called to be holy ones . ... do you not know that the holy ones will judge the world?" - 1Cor1:2; 6:2

"I saw thrones, and those who sat on them were given authority to judge. Yes, I saw the souls of those executed for the witness they gave about Jesus and for speaking about God, and those who had not worshipped the wild beast or its image and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand. And they came to life and ruled as kings with the Christ for 1,000 years." - Revelation 20:4

"Then I saw, and look! the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who have his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads. I heard a sound coming out of heaven like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder; and the sound that I heard was like singers who accompany themselves by playing on their harps. And they are singing what seems to be a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders, and no one was able to master that song except the 144,000, who have been bought from the earth. These are the ones who did not defile themselves with women; in fact, they are virgins. These are the ones who keep following the Lamb no matter where he goes. These were bought from among mankind as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb,  and no deceit was found in their mouths; they are without blemish." - Revelation 14:1-5

I asked Chat GPT: What conclusion can be drawn from these scriptures?

"The scriptures you’ve provided offer a cohesive picture of how judgment and rulership are delegated by Jehovah through Jesus Christ, particularly highlighting the role of the 144,000 and their unique relationship with Christ. Here are some conclusions that can be drawn:

1. Jesus Shares His Authority in Judgment

Luke 22:28-30 and Matthew 19:28 emphasize that Jesus made a covenant with his faithful apostles to sit on thrones and judge the 12 tribes of Israel. This suggests that Jesus, as the ultimate judge, includes others in his judicial work.

2. The Role of the Holy Ones

1 Corinthians 6:2 states that “the holy ones will judge the world,” confirming that those in union with Christ will assist in administering judgment, demonstrating Jehovah's trust in their faithfulness and ability to carry out this significant responsibility.

3. The 144,000 as Co-Rulers and Judges

Revelation 14:1-5 identifies the 144,000 as those who have been “bought from the earth” to serve alongside Christ as rulers and priests. Their exceptional purity and unwavering loyalty to Christ qualify them for this unique role.
Revelation 20:4 describes these individuals as sharing in Christ’s rulership during the 1,000-year reign. Their authority to judge reflects their responsibility in bringing mankind to perfection under Christ’s leadership.

4. Judgment as Part of God's Kingdom

These scriptures repeatedly link the act of judgment with the rulership of God’s Kingdom. The judgment carried out by Jesus and his co-rulers is not merely punitive but restorative, as they guide and educate mankind during the Millennium.

5. The Scope of Judgment

The mention of the “12 tribes of Israel” in Matthew 19:28 and Luke 22:30 likely symbolizes all of mankind, not just literal Israel, as the 12 tribes often represent the entirety of God’s people.

6. Jehovah’s Purpose for Mankind

The 144,000 serve as “firstfruits” (Revelation 14:4), indicating their role in fulfilling God’s purpose to restore harmony between heaven and earth. Their work will bring blessings to the rest of humanity, as described in Revelation 7:9-10, where a great crowd of survivors benefits from their rulership.

Conclusion:

These scriptures highlight Jehovah’s orderly arrangement for judgment and rulership. Jesus, as King and Judge, delegates authority to faithful humans who have been called, chosen, and sanctified. The 144,000 play a central role in God’s Kingdom, ensuring that the judgment is just, fair, and aligned with Jehovah’s purpose to restore mankind to perfection. The process is not about instilling fear but about carrying out Jehovah’s loving plan to reconcile all creation to Him.

These scriptures highlight the wisdom, fairness, and restorative nature of Jehovah’s judgment. It is a time when true justice will prevail, righteousness will be taught, and the meek will find relief. For those aligned with Jehovah’s purpose, Judgment Day is indeed a day of hope and fulfillment, not of fear." - Chat GPT.

If you, my reader, were to draw the same conclusion, it would indeed be very logical. The power of reasoning, even without the advanced capabilities of AI, surpasses twisting logic and deliberate manipulation. For those who are curious, here’s an intriguing thought experiment:

Take all the scriptures I’ve referenced in this chapter, alongside any other scriptures you believe might challenge or counter these conclusions, and input them into an AI for analysis. Provide no interpretations—just the raw texts—and let the AI evaluate the context and alignment of these passages. I haven’t conducted this experiment myself, but I am confident the result would align with the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The consistent harmony of scriptural truths and the reasoning Jehovah’s Witnesses rely on would stand firm against any interpretation that attempts to twist or manipulate the Word of God. The Bible is not subject to human manipulation when analyzed impartially; its truth remains intact for those willing to reason on it sincerely and humbly.

I believe I have provided sufficient introduction to outline my general vision before meeting Jeremy. I trust that I have clearly presented the subject of our dispute and conveyed my attitude toward those who hold opposing views. While Jehovah's judgment is supreme—and we must prepare for it by sincerely examining what we believe and teach others—it is also fitting for me to present all my points for the judgment of my readers. This approach mirrors the humility and transparency of the apostle Paul, who wrote:"We have renounced the shameful, underhanded things, not walking with cunning or adulterating the word of God; but by making the truth manifest, we recommend ourselves to every human conscience in the sight of God." – 2 Corinthians 4:2

In this spirit, I aim to lay my reasoning bare, not as an act of self-righteousness but as a sincere effort to engage with truth-seeking minds and hearts, leaving the final judgment to Jehovah and the discernment of my readers.

Parallels Between the Garden of Eden and Modern-Day Reasoning

To begin my reasoning, I want to go back to the foundational event that occurred in the Garden of Eden because my conversation with Jeremy parallels the conversation in the Garden of Eden between the serpent and Eve. In both cases, there is a challenge to divine truth, a manipulation of reasoning, and the critical need to discern the source and validity of what is being said. The serpent cunningly questioned God's instructions, saying:"Did God really say that you must not eat from every tree of the garden?" – Genesis 3:1. Eve responded:"We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden. But God has said about the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden: ‘You must not eat from it, no, you must not touch it; otherwise you will die.’" – Genesis 3:2,3. Then the serpent directly contradicted God's words:"You certainly will not die. For God knows that in the very day you eat from it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and bad." – Genesis 3:4,5

It is evident that the Devil contradicted God when he reasoned with Eve in the Garden of Eden. My understanding is that Jesus referred to this pivotal event when reasoning with the Pharisees and other Jews, as recorded in John 8:43-44:

"Why do you not understand what I am saying? Because you cannot listen to my word. You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father. That one was a murderer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of the lie."

Jesus explicitly called the Devil a murderer, and it is abundantly clear that the lie he told in Eden led to the deaths of Adam and Eve. The deception was lethal—it brought death into the human family.

I refrain from judging Adam and Eve for their decision to believe the lie. Instead, I focus on the fact that this lie killed them and continues to kill all who adopt false reasoning. There is no need to judge those who are already under a death sentence. Now, the conversation shifts to the solution: how to save people. That was the primary purpose of Jesus’ ministry on earth. Jesus could not simply ignore false reasoning; he addressed it directly, often with profound clarity. It is notable that he tackled this issue in a conversation on a topic similar to what Jeremy and I discussed.

I believe that both Jeremy and I were motivated to confront each other’s arguments and express our beliefs honestly. Since neither of us accepted the other’s reasoning, the ultimate judgment of who is right or wrong will rest with Jesus. As he himself said in John 12:48:"The word that I have spoken is what will judge him on the last day."

This understanding allows me to reconcile any differences and move forward. In this article, I aim to present my perception for judgment, offering my readers an opportunity to evaluate these matters with an open mind.

Similarly, twisted reasoning about Jesus’ identity can plant seeds of doubt or fear in people's hearts, challenging their faith. Recognizing and addressing such arguments is essential for clarity and confidence in the truth. I feel it would be fair to present my personal analysis of this expression here, rather than simply referring to an article from the official publications of Jehovah's Witnesses. I can speak for myself, as I believe it’s important to develop and articulate my own understanding in this regard. After all, Jeremy approached me as an individual—or at least, that’s how I perceived his approach when he came to me.

Later, it was revealed that Jeremy had a hidden microphone, and his partner was recording on camera our conversation from a distance. He felt comfortable spying on me in plain sight without disclosing it. Not that I fear such actions, but there is a significant difference between presenting myself as an authorized media representative of Jehovah's Witnesses and representing myself as an individual member of the organization. It’s akin to someone falsely claiming to be the Christ that Jehovah promised to send. If I were to declare, “I am he,” but it wasn’t true, what value would my words have for public listeners?

However, when Jesus said, “I am he,” he was asserting his role as the one Jehovah sent from above to fulfill His will and speak on His behalf—and, I would add, on behalf of Jehovah’s heavenly organization. Jesus had the authority to make that claim. But who am I? I am just one individual striving to accept Jesus as the one Jehovah sent forth and to follow him. Although I can understand Jeremy’s inclination to sentence me to destruction, I am confident that Jehovah will not base His decision on Jeremy’s judgment. I expressed this directly to Jeremy, telling him that Jehovah, as I know Him, is not like that. In response, I saw confusion on Jeremy’s face, as if he was questioning, “How can that be possible?” I believe he even commented on it. If his recording ever becomes available to me or the public, I would like to revisit that moment in our conversation.

Why am I so confident? Consider this: even though Jesus refrained from judgment during his earthly ministry—despite having much he could accuse people of—he chose to hold back. Jesus knew that his word would judge individuals in God’s appointed time, the last day. As I described earlier, this judgment will be fair and just.

The grief that people experience on that day, as I discussed, may manifest in two ways depending on their motives. Yet, we all know that Jehovah’s kindness leads to repentance—which is redeemable through Christ’s ransom sacrifice. This gives me hope, not just for myself but for anyone willing to turn to Jehovah with sincerity.

Going back to Jesus statement: "If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." I can see why Jeremy emphasized this verse. It holds weight, and his concern was sincere, even if misguided. Over my 30 years of studying the scriptures and reasoning with both Jehovah’s Witnesses and non-Witnesses—including those who vehemently argue that “Jesus is Jehovah” and that rejecting this leads to destruction—I have consistently maintained a different understanding. I can confidently say that identifying Jesus as distinct from Jehovah does not compromise one’s hope for everlasting life. Why so?

A Foundation in Jesus’ Prayer

Before delving deeper into John 8:24 and its context, it is helpful to consider Jesus’ own words during his final prayer with his apostles. This prayer, recorded in John 17, provides profound insight into Jesus' identity and relationship with Jehovah:“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your son so that your son may glorify you,  just as you have given him authority over all flesh, so that he may give everlasting life to all those whom you have given to him.  This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.  I have glorified you on the earth, having finished the work you have given me to do.  So now, Father, glorify me at your side with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was. “I have made your name manifest to the men whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have observed your word.  Now they have come to know that all the things you gave me are from you;  because I have given them the sayings that you gave me, and they have accepted them and have certainly come to know that I came as your representative, and they have believed that you sent me." (John 17:1-8)

Here, Jesus clearly distinguishes himself from Jehovah, addressing the Father as “the only true God” and identifying himself as the one Jehovah sent. This aligns with John’s testimony in chapter 8, as Jesus speaks to the Pharisees about his role and authority.

What Did Jesus Mean by "I Am He"?

To understand Jesus’ statement in John 8:24, we must consider the context of the broader conversation. In verse 12, Jesus made a powerful declaration: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will by no means walk in darkness, but will possess the light of life."

The Pharisees responded with skepticism, asserting: "You bear witness about yourself; your witness is not true." (John 8:13)

In the immediate context, John 8:23 sheds light on Jesus’ statement: “You are from the realms below; I am from the realms above. You are from this world; I am not from this world.”

Here, Jesus was emphasizing his divine origin, not claiming to be Jehovah. If salvation truly hinged on the belief that Jesus is Jehovah, such a critical understanding would be stated explicitly in the Bible. However, the Scriptures consistently maintain a clear distinction between Jesus and Jehovah, presenting Jesus as the one sent by Jehovah to accomplish His will.

I didn't really had a chance to prepare for such conversation. The above reasoning I added here after my conversation with Jeremy was over. Although, as our conversation progressed, I began to notice a pattern of twisted logic in Jeremy's reasoning. The first signal came when I stated, "If salvation would so depend on acknowledgment that Jesus is Jehovah, it would be clearly expressed in the Bible." Jeremy countered with, "Don't you agree that there are many things that we don't know about God?" While I agreed in principle, I wanted to clarify: "How then can we rely on such an argument? If we can't fully comprehend God, how solid is the claim that Jesus is Jehovah, based on the idea that it’s simply beyond our understanding?"

Jeremy did not accept this line of reasoning, and I began to feel that the conversation was becoming unproductive. I expressed my concern directly: "Jeremy, you are losing me. We don't have common ground anymore. You're not listening to me." Interestingly, Jeremy responded with a similar sentiment, saying that I wasn’t listening to him. To me, this mutual acknowledgment only confirmed that our discussion was veering into a cycle of arguments rather than meaningful dialogue.

Despite this, Jeremy continued to press his reasoning. I chose to remain polite and refrained from directly telling him that it would be best for us to part ways. Normally, one might expect a person to recognize such cues and respectfully conclude the conversation, but Jeremy persisted. While I tolerated his continuation, my enthusiasm for the discussion naturally dimmed. His refusal to genuinely engage with my reasoning and respect my perspective revealed that this exchange was more about debating than seeking mutual understanding. If I am not mistaken, this scripture that Jeremy quoted might have been intended as an application to me:

In 1 Timothy 6:3-5, the inspired Word of God offers this guidance:“If any man teaches another doctrine and does not agree with the wholesome instruction, which is from our Lord Jesus Christ, nor with the teaching that is in harmony with godly devotion, he is puffed up with pride and does not understand anything. He is obsessed with arguments and debates about words. These things give rise to envy, strife, slander, wicked suspicions, constant disputes about minor matters by men who are corrupted in mind and deprived of the truth.”

Reflecting on this scripture, I see it unfolding before me. The truth of these words seemed to materialize as the discussion shifted toward debates rooted in arguments over words. Jeremy appeared more focused on asserting his interpretation than engaging in a meaningful exchange of faith, steering the conversation toward the very disputes and contentions that the scriptures caution against. Looking back on this experience, I feel that either of us could have been motivated to stop the conversation—but Jeremy continued...

Over the last 30 years, I’ve had many similar conversations, and they often leave me with the same feeling. It reminds me of what is written in Luke 16:26:"And besides all these things, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that those who want to go over from here to you cannot, neither may people cross over from there to us."

“There was a rich man who used to dress in purple and linen, enjoying himself day after day with magnificence.20 But a beggar named Lazʹa·rus used to be put at his gate, covered with ulcers21 and desiring to be filled with the things dropping from the table of the rich man. Yes, even the dogs would come and lick his ulcers.22 Now in the course of time, the beggar died and was carried off by the angels to Abraham’s side. “Also, the rich man died and was buried.23 And in the Grave he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and he saw Abraham from afar and Lazʹa·rus by his side.24 So he called and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazʹa·rus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this blazing fire.’25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you had your fill of good things in your lifetime, but Lazʹa·rus for his part received bad things. Now, however, he is being comforted here, but you are in anguish.26 And besides all these things, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that those who want to go over from here to you cannot, neither may people cross over from there to us.’27 Then he said, ‘That being so, I ask you, father, to send him to the house of my father,28 for I have five brothers, in order that he may give them a thorough witness so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to these.’30 Then he said, ‘No, indeed, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.’”

This chasm is not just a physical divide but represents the spiritual and mental separation between two opposing viewpoints. While I hold no personal judgment against Jeremy, I have come to see that meaningful dialogue requires both parties to seek common ground. Without that, it becomes an exercise in futility, and the gap between us remains fixed.

From both my experience and Jesus’ illustration, I don’t have much faith that reasoning alone will change the minds of those who share Jeremy’s perception of God’s Word—or alter the understanding held by my spiritual brothers and sisters on this matter. However, I firmly believe that with Jehovah God, all things are possible. A striking example of this is Saul, who later became the apostle Paul.

Saul was once vehemently opposed to the truth, going so far as to persecute those who followed it. Yet, through Jesus’s intervention, he underwent a complete transformation and became one of the most zealous advocates of the good news. This serves as a powerful reminder that, while human reasoning may have its limits, Jehovah’s ability to touch hearts and minds is unparalleled.

I know this from my own personal experience, which I described in the first three chapters of this book. Jehovah’s touch is truly transformative, and it has shaped my life in ways that reasoning alone never could.

Even though, I didn’t know at the time that Jeremy was secretly recording our conversation without my consent, at first, I felt it was unfair and deceptive. It wasn’t a level playing field; it felt more like an ambush. Not that I am unfamiliar with my position or the scriptures he cited, but without prior knowledge of his agenda, I had no opportunity to review his specific arguments ahead of time. I had been recorded...

However, now I’ve chosen to let go of any bitterness and instead focus on honestly describing everything that happened that evening, offering a thoughtful assessment of our conversation. Despite the circumstances, I am thankful for the chance to defend my faith. Now, as I write, I have the benefit of uninterrupted reflection and the ability to fully formulate my thoughts.

For those who may never have had the opportunity to follow the reasoning of Jehovah’s Witnesses in a verbal conversation, I hope my personal expressions here provide clarity and make it easier to familiarize themselves with our perspective. I’m now reflecting on this exchange post-factum and clearly expressing my complete understanding regarding Jesus’ statement, "I am he." By doing so, I can offer a reasoned response that is thoughtful and respectful, even if the initial conversation lacked these qualities.

The Confidence of Jesus’ Witness and Our Understanding

Just as Jesus was denied by the Pharisees, so are Jehovah’s Witnesses often misunderstood and misrepresented. Yet, Jesus confidently responded to his detractors, saying: "Even if I do bear witness about myself, my witness is true, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I came from and where I am going.” – John 8:14

Jesus could confidently bear witness about himself because he intimately knew his origins and destiny. He knew the angel Gabriel’s message to his mother, Mary, about his miraculous birth. He knew the angels’ announcement to shepherds, Simeon and Anna’s prophetic words, the visit of the magi, and his family’s divinely guided escape to Egypt. He was aware of what Herod did to the children in Bethlehem, his return from Egypt after Herod’s death, and the moment the heavens opened when he was baptized by John and filled with God’s spirit.

Jesus fully comprehended his prehuman existence in the spiritual realm before Abraham. While this was difficult even for his faithful apostles to grasp, it was nearly impossible for the Pharisees. However, Jehovah’s Witnesses today clearly understand and accept Jesus' divine origins. As the apostle John wrote in his Gospel:“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. This one was in the beginning with God. All things came into existence through him, and apart from him not even one thing came into existence. What has come into existence by means of him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light is shining in the darkness, but the darkness has not overpowered it. So the Word became flesh and resided among us, and we had a view of his glory, a glory such as belongs to an only-begotten son from a father; and he was full of divine favor and truth.” – John 1:1-5, 14

Jesus: The Only-Begotten Son

Jesus is called the "only-begotten" Son because he is the first and only direct creation of Jehovah. John, writing his Gospel in Greek, followed the Hebrew tradition of inspired writers, using the definite article only for Jehovah, the eternal and uncreated God. For Jesus, John omitted the definite article to emphasize Jesus’ role as subordinate to Jehovah and as distinct from Him.

Jesus is the “first and the last” of his kind—created directly by Jehovah as the Word. Through Jesus, all other creation came into existence. As Paul explained, Jesus was instrumental both in creation and in giving life to others after his earthly ministry and resurrection. By Jehovah’s arrangement, Jesus continues to serve as the channel through whom others receive life. While we can imitate Jesus, we cannot replace him, just as he imitates the Father but will never become Jehovah.

Why Do People Like Jeremy Fail to See What Jehovah’s Witnesses See?

Without offending other people's motives, I would say: the answer lies in the interplay of spiritual influence and individual choice. People like Jeremy struggle to perceive the truths that Jehovah’s Witnesses embrace, not because they lack intelligence or zeal, but because they are not spiritually begotten as sons of God or fail to pay attention to the revelations brought forth by the sons of God. Instead, they are influenced by the twisted reasoning of the father of the lie or his spiritual offspring.

During his earthly ministry, Jesus performed many miracles that testified to Jehovah’s support. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, turned water into wine, and performed other miraculous acts. Despite these undeniable signs, his identity was questioned. Many dismissed him as “just a carpenter” or “the son of a carpenter.”

Tragically, some today go beyond mere misunderstanding and misrepresent Jesus by claiming he is Jehovah. This twisting of the truth parallels Paul’s warning in 2 Thessalonians: “Let no one lead you astray in any way, because it will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness gets revealed, the son of destruction. He stands in opposition and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits down in the temple of God, publicly showing himself to be a god.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

Jesus never exalted himself: "Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus, who, although he was existing in God’s form*, did not even consider the idea of trying to be equal to God." - Phillipians 2:5,6

*It seems he was referring to Jesus' pre-human existence. During that time, Jesus did not consider himself equal to Jehovah. Although he was existing in God’s form: The Greek expression rendered “form” (mor·pheʹ) basically refers to “nature; appearance; shape; likeness.” Jesus was a spirit person just as “God is a Spirit.” (Joh 4:24) The same Greek term is used of Jesus’ taking “a slave’s form” when he “became flesh,” or became a human.—Php 2:7; Joh 1:14. God is a Spirit: The Greek word pneuʹma is used here in the sense of a spirit person, or being. (See Glossary, “Spirit.”) The Scriptures show that God, the glorified Jesus, and the angels are spirits. (1Co 15:45; 2Co 3:17; Heb 1:14) A spirit has a form of life that differs greatly from that of humans, and it is invisible to human eyes. Spirit beings have a body, “a spiritual one,” that is far superior to “a physical body.” (1Co 15:44; Joh 1:18) Although Bible writers speak of God as having a face, eyes, ears, hands, and so forth, such descriptions are figures of speech to help humans understand what God is like. The Scriptures clearly show that God has a personality. He also exists in a location beyond the physical realm; so Christ could speak of “going to the Father.” (Joh 16:28) At Heb 9:24, Christ is said to enter “into heaven itself, so that he . . . appears before God on our behalf.” did not even consider the idea of trying to be equal to God: Or “did not regard equality with God as something to be seized (grasped).” Paul here encourages the Philippians to cultivate an outstanding attitude like that of Jesus. At Php 2:3, Paul tells them: “With humility consider others superior to you.” In verse 5, he continues: “Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus.” Jesus, who considered God to be superior, never ‘grasped for equality with God.’ Instead, he “humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death.” (Php 2:8; Joh 5:30; 14:28; 1Co 15:24-28) Jesus’ view was not like that of the Devil, who urged Eve to make herself like God, to be equal to Him. (Ge 3:5) Jesus perfectly exemplified Paul’s point here—namely, the importance of humility and obedience to the Creator, Jehovah God.—See study note on trying to be in this verse. trying to be: The Greek noun used here (har·pag·mosʹ; lit., “a thing to be seized”) is derived from the verb har·paʹzo, which has the basic meaning “to seize; to snatch.” Some have suggested that this term refers to retaining something already possessed. However, the Scriptures never use the Greek term to mean the holding on to something already in one’s possession. Rather, it is often rendered “seize” or “snatch (away)” or by other such expressions. (Mt 11:12; 12:29; 13:19; Joh 6:15; 10:12, 28, 29; Ac 8:39; 23:10; 2Co 12:2, 4; 1Th 4:17; Jude 23; Re 12:5) If Jesus “did not even consider the idea of trying to be equal to God,” it must be that he was never equal to God.

A Clear Distinction

Jesus did not claim to be Jehovah. Instead, he consistently identified himself as the one sent by Jehovah, a representative who perfectly reflects His will and character. Misrepresenting Jesus as Jehovah does not honor him but rather distorts the truth. Jehovah’s Witnesses endeavor to present a balanced and biblically accurate understanding of Jesus' unique role as the only-begotten Son, the Word, and the one through whom Jehovah accomplishes His purposes.

Interestingly, Jesus had a perfect opportunity to clarify the matter if he were Jehovah during another conversation with the Jews, but he didn’t. This dialogue would have been an ideal moment to say, "I am he" in the sense that Jeremy suggested. Let’s examine the account in John 10:31-36: “Once again the Jews picked up stones to stone him. Jesus replied to them: ‘I displayed to you many fine works from the Father. For which of those works are you stoning me?’ The Jews answered him: ‘We are stoning you, not for a fine work, but for blasphemy; for you, although being a man, make yourself a god.’ Jesus answered them: ‘Is it not written in your Law, “I said: ‘You are gods’”? If he called “gods” those against whom the word of God came—and yet the scripture cannot be nullified—do you say to me whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, “You blaspheme,” because I said, “I am God’s Son”?’”

This encounter perfectly illustrates how Jesus consistently clarified his identity without claiming to be Jehovah. Instead of declaring, "I am Jehovah, and if you don’t believe it, you will die in your sins," Jesus reasoned from the scriptures. He pointed out that even human judges in Israel, appointed to execute justice, were referred to as “gods” in Psalm 82:6. By using this reasoning, Jesus emphasized the appropriateness of his title “God’s Son” without elevating himself to equality with Jehovah.

The Clear Distinction in Jesus’ Words

Jesus explicitly said, “I am God’s Son,” not Jehovah. This reinforces the distinction between his role as the sanctified representative of the Father and Jehovah’s unique position as the Supreme Sovereign. If ever there were a moment to affirm his identity as Jehovah, this would have been it. Yet Jesus didn’t make such a claim. Instead, he reasoned with the Jews using scripture to show that their accusations of blasphemy were unfounded.

Why This Is Significant

John, the same writer who recorded Jesus saying, “I am he” in John 8:24, also documented this conversation. John was clearly comfortable portraying Jesus as “a god” in the sense of his divine role as Jehovah’s Son and representative—not as Jehovah Himself. This fits seamlessly with John’s introduction to his Gospel: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.” —John 1:1

Jehovah’s Witnesses understand and embrace this distinction. We recognize Jesus as “a god” in his prehuman existence—a divine being sent by Jehovah. However, we firmly consider the statement “Jesus is Jehovah” to be not just false but nonsensical, as it undermines a healthy perception of reality and distorts fundamental biblical truths. “I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his manifestation and his Kingdom: Preach the word; be at it urgently in favorable times and difficult times; reprove, reprimand, exhort, with all patience and art of teaching. For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the wholesome teaching, but according to their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers to have their ears tickled. They will turn away from listening to the truth and give attention to false stories. You, though, keep your senses in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry.” – 2 Timothy 4:1-5.

A melody of Aʹsaph. Psalm 82 1God takes his place in the divine assembly; In the middle of the gods he judges: 2 “How long will you continue to judge with injustice And show partiality to the wicked? (Selah) 3 Defend the lowly and the fatherless. Render justice to the helpless and destitute. 4 Rescue the lowly and the poor; Save them out of the hand of the wicked.” 5 They do not know, nor do they understand; They are walking about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are being shaken. 6 “I have said, ‘You are gods, All of you are sons of the Most High. 7 But you will die just as men do; And like any other prince you will fall!’” 8 Rise up, O God, and judge the earth, For all the nations belong to you.

A Consistent Understanding

This clear reasoning highlights why Jehovah’s Witnesses are confident in rejecting the idea that Jesus is Jehovah. Jesus’ own words and reasoning support this conclusion. He never claimed to be equal to Jehovah but always pointed to his role as Jehovah’s appointed representative, saying:“The Father is greater than I am.” —John 14:28

The scriptures, when carefully examined, reveal a consistent distinction between Jesus and Jehovah, allowing Jehovah’s Witnesses to follow Jesus while properly glorifying the Father as the one true God.

The Light of Life: Sharing Personal Stories to Reflect Jehovah's Love

“You know neither me nor my Father. If you did know me, you would know my Father also.” These words of Jesus resonate deeply with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Like him, we are often accused that our witnessing is not true, that our message is somehow lacking. But those making such claims often don’t know the personal stories of millions of Witnesses around the globe—stories of individuals who have left behind their old ways of life, often through miraculous transformations, to follow Jesus.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are united as one family worldwide. No matter where you go, Witnesses welcome one another into their homes as though they are true family members, demonstrating love and unity that transcends borders, cultures, and languages. This bond reflects the spirit of brotherhood that Jesus himself taught his followers to cultivate.

This is one of the reasons I am so enthusiastic about sharing my personal stories. I want people to see and understand that Jehovah’s Witnesses truly have the "light of life." Through my experiences, I aim to show how Jehovah’s guidance has shaped my life and how it can transform the lives of others. Because many people do not truly know us—or the Father we serve—I feel compelled to shine a light on the "miracles" of my own journey.

Just as Jesus knew who he was and where he came from, we as Jehovah’s Witnesses know where we came from. We know our individual stories and the stories of our friends in the truth. I know my story; I know where I came from. My personal journey of following Jesus carries its own significance. The value of my witnessing comes from my sincere effort to understand and follow Jesus, seeking to discern Jehovah’s will for me personally. I know where I came from and where I am going—I am reassured by Jehovah’s word. I hear his voice, saying, ‘Here is the way.’ “I don’t need anyone to teach me besides Jehovah himself,” as it is written: “‘And they will no longer teach each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, “Know Jehovah!” for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them,’ declares Jehovah. ‘For I will forgive their error, and I will no longer remember their sin.’” – Jeremiah 31:34.

This assurance is something I have earned by calling upon Jehovah’s name. When Jeremy claimed that Jehovah would destroy me because I don’t believe Jesus is Jehovah, it didn’t trouble me at all. Instead, I felt sorry for him because, with such twisted logic, he is staying away from Jehovah. I find reassurance in knowing that Jehovah is leading me, as He does for so many others. This book serves as an account of how I’ve reached my conclusions and how Jehovah has reaffirmed them, confirming that I am on the right path. Searching for Jehovah and discovering that He is not far from us is a journey any sincere individual can embark on. Through sharing my experiences, I hope to encourage others to take steps toward their own spiritual clarity and connection with Jehovah.

A Signal of Twisted Things Logic: Redefining "Beginning"

The other striking moment in my conversation with Jeremy was his response to my question: "What does the word beginning mean to you in John 1:1,2?" He replied, “Eternity.” To me, this was a clear example of manipulative reasoning—an attempt to twist the truth. I will give Jeremy credit that this reasoning likely stems from a lie generated centuries ago, one that captivated the reasoning abilities of those known as the church fathers in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th centuries. Rejecting deeply entrenched dogmas and symbols of the church is undoubtedly difficult.

I learned how to study and critically evaluate information during my college years, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. To graduate, I had to conduct my own research, publish it, and present it before a council. Although my research wasn’t groundbreaking, its purpose was to teach me how to analyze a subject thoroughly and refer to credible sources. My education shaped my mind to test any statement for its truthfulness. When I was introduced to the Bible, I approached it with the same critical mindset. I was like those noble ones in Berea, who examined the truthfulness of the statements Paul preached to them. As recorded in Acts 17:11, “They received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” The Apostle John encouraged a similar approach in his letter, saying: “Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired statement, but test the inspired statements to see whether they originate with God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you know that the inspired statement is from God: Every inspired statement that acknowledges Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh originates with God. But every inspired statement that does not acknowledge Jesus does not originate with God. Furthermore, this is the antichrist’s inspired statement that you have heard was coming, and now it is already in the world.
You originate with God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in union with you is greater than the one who is in union with the world.
They originate with the world; that is why they speak what originates with the world, and the world listens to them.
We originate with God. Whoever comes to know God listens to us; whoever does not originate with God does not listen to us. By this we distinguish the inspired statement of truth from the inspired statement of error.” – 1 John 4:1-6.

These words deeply resonate with me. Testing inspired statements is not just encouraged but necessary to discern truth from error, especially in a world where many false ideas and teachings abound. My approach to studying the Bible has always been to critically evaluate its statements, seeking alignment with Jehovah’s purpose and truth.

Even for me, as an atheist at the time, it was a challenge to reconcile the clarity of the Bible with the teachings of the Orthodox Church, which had existed in Russia for over 1,000 years. I found myself asking, How could they have missed the clarity of these scriptures? For those who want to delve deeply into the historical development of the idea that "Jesus is Jehovah," I recommend exploring the analysis in the document linked below. It provides a logical and thorough examination of how this concept emerged and was adopted over time. Click to read

When I mentioned to Jeremy that the word Trinity is not even in the Bible, he tried to argue that it is. Having already conducted a thorough investigation of the subject, I knew it would be a waste of time to delve into that discussion with Jeremy. I am not blaming Jeremy or others who hold similar beliefs. The origin of these lies is the Father of the lie, and they were elevated over time into fundamental church doctrines. I understand that, out of faithfulness to their churches, many people accept these doctrines with respect.

When Jeremy referred to the credentials of the church to support his reasoning, I didn’t even respond. He didn’t bring up that argument again, likely realizing its weakness. After all, various denominations have often found something untruthful in the doctrines of their peers. This type of distortion reminds me of the warning the apostle Paul gave to the Christian elders in the Ephesus congregation:“Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son. I know that after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” – Acts 20:28-30

Denominations within Christianity serve as evidence of disagreements and divisions that have arisen over time among those professing to follow Christ. These divisions clearly demonstrate deviations from the original teachings of Jesus Christ. The fractured state of Christendom today testifies to this reality, as each denomination emerged from disagreements, often based on differing interpretations of Scripture or doctrinal disputes.

The ultimate proof of alignment with the original teachings of Christ would be the complete reconciliation and unity of all who follow him. This harmony would reflect the very oneness Jesus prayed for when he said: "I make request, not concerning these only, but also concerning those putting faith in me through their word, so that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us, so that the world may believe that you sent me." (John 17:20-21)

Such unity, however, cannot be achieved without adherence to Jehovah’s truth. Among all religions, Jehovah’s Witnesses uniquely stand as a group that has successfully reconciled millions of individuals from vastly different backgrounds—former Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Protestants of all varieties, Jews, Muslims, atheists, and even those who once led lives of immorality. This reconciliation is achieved not through mere compromise or accommodation but by establishing clarity and agreement on fundamental truths about Jehovah and Jesus Christ.

Central to this unity is the understanding that Jehovah and Jesus are two distinct individuals, not a mysterious singularity. This distinction, far from diminishing either, enhances our ability to follow Jesus’s example as the Son of Man and the Son of God. It provides a clear framework for imitating Jesus’s relationship with Jehovah and striving to reflect God’s image in our lives.

The clarity that Jehovah’s Witnesses offer allows us to approach our Creator and His Son without confusion or pretense. We aim not to claim equality with God, as some doctrines imply, but to humbly walk in His ways, imitating His qualities in our unique, individual ways. Just as Jesus perfectly reflects his Father without ever becoming Jehovah, we too strive to reflect Jesus’s qualities without pretending to become Jesus.

When I complete sharing my personal stories, I intend to begin documenting and publishing on this site the stories of those who have reconciled with Jehovah and united in this faith. These accounts will illustrate how individuals from vastly different spiritual and moral paths have come to find clarity and purpose in serving Jehovah and following Jesus. This harmony stands as a testament to the power of truth and the unity it fosters among all who sincerely seek to align with Jehovah’s purpose.

Paul described how overseers in Ephesus—those appointed by the holy spirit—could fall into speaking twisted things if they failed to remain vigilant. This twisting of truth doesn’t originate from Jehovah’s holy spirit, but from another source. Paul wrote about this dangerous influence to the congregation in Ephesus:“Furthermore, God made you alive, though you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you at one time walked according to the system of things of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.” – Ephesians 2:1-2

These Christians had once been under the influence of Satan's spirit, "the authority of the air." Even after being appointed by holy spirit, failure to heed Jehovah’s direction could leave them vulnerable to this same influence again. Jesus' illustration of the wheat and the weeds provides a profound prophecy and explanation of the development of false Christianity and its coexistence with true worship until the conclusion of this system of things. In the parable, the Son of Man sows fine seed, symbolizing the sons of the Kingdom, while the Devil oversows weeds, representing the sons of the wicked one. This illustrates the mingling of true and false Christians throughout history.

“The Kingdom of the heavens may be likened to a man who sowed fine seed in his field. While men were sleeping, his enemy came and oversowed weeds* in among the wheat and left. When the stalk sprouted and produced fruit, then the weeds also appeared. So the slaves of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow fine seed in your field? How, then, does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy, a man, did this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us, then, to go out and collect them?’ He said, ‘No, for fear that while collecting the weeds, you uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest season, I will tell the reapers: First collect the weeds and bind them in bundles to burn them up; then gather the wheat into my storehouse.’”

Then after dismissing the crowds, he went into the house. His disciples came to him and said: “Explain to us the illustration of the weeds in the field.” In response he said: “The sower of the fine seed is the Son of man; the field is the world. As for the fine seed, these are the sons of the Kingdom, but the weeds are the sons of the wicked one, and the enemy who sowed them is the Devil. The harvest is a conclusion of a system of things, and the reapers are angels. Therefore, just as the weeds are collected and burned with fire, so it will be in the conclusion of the system of things. The Son of man will send his angels, and they will collect out from his Kingdom all things that cause stumbling and people who practice lawlessness, and they will pitch them into the fiery furnace. There is where their weeping and the gnashing of their teeth will be. At that time the righteous ones will shine as brightly as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Let the one who has ears listen.” - Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43

______________________

* The weeds (Gr., zi·zaʹni·a) of Jesus’ illustration at Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 are generally considered to be bearded darnel (Lolium temulentum), which very much resembles wheat until maturity, when it can be readily distinguished from wheat by its smaller black seeds. This, together with the fact that the roots of these weeds become entwined with the wheat, would make it most inadvisable to pull up the weeds at an early stage. If darnel seeds become mixed with wheat kernels after the harvest, this can have a serious effect upon the eater. Dizziness and even fatal poisoning have been attributed to eating bread containing too much darnel flour. The poisonous properties of darnel seeds are generally believed to stem from a fungus growing within them.

This prophecy foretold the rise of apostate teachings within Christianity, particularly after the death of the apostles. The blending of biblical truth with pagan philosophies, such as the introduction of the Trinity doctrine, led to the growth of "weeds" among the "wheat." Jesus' illustration also reassures us that Jehovah permits this coexistence temporarily but will rectify it at the time of the harvest.

Twisted Logic: A Sign of Contamination

This is something that Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize clearly. When we hear twisted reasoning—like redefining beginning as eternity or declaring Jesus is Jehovah—we step back and assess. Such logic often leads to confusion, contradicts common sense, and abuses the power of reason. Paul described this transformation of the mind as essential to our sacred service:“Therefore, I appeal to you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason. And stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, so that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:1-2

It is through the power of reason, guided by holy spirit, that our service to God becomes acceptable. Twisted reasoning, such as claiming beginning equals eternity, undermines this transformation and reflects the spirit of this world, not Jehovah’s.

Jeremy’s reasoning exemplified how subtle yet deceptive logic can cloud understanding. The argument that “it is not comprehensible, but it is true” runs contrary to the clarity and simplicity of Jehovah’s teachings. Jehovah calls on us to use our minds, to reason, and to discern His will. Any reasoning that disregards these principles risks leading individuals away from the truth.

This reminds me of what the resurrected Jesus asked the apostle John to write to the congregation in Sardis: "To the angel of the congregation in Sardis write: These are the things that he says who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: ‘I know your deeds, that you have the name that you are alive, but you are dead. Become watchful, and strengthen the things remaining that were ready to die, for I have not found your works fully performed before my God. Therefore, continue mindful of how you have received and how you heard, and go on keeping it, and repent. Certainly unless you wake up, I will come as a thief, and you will not know at all at what hour I will come upon you.’" (Revelation 3:1-3)

This is a sobering thought—the Christians in Sardis were confident they were spiritually alive and awake, but from Jesus’ perspective, they were not. Since I am not Jesus, it is not my place to judge any Christian or denomination in such terms. However, I cannot maintain close fellowship with those who twist the truth, such as insisting on the incomprehensible mystery that “Jesus is Jehovah” as a requirement for salvation.

This experience with Jeremy reaffirmed the importance of vigilance and the need to rely on scriptural truths over human traditions or speculative interpretations. As Paul emphasized in his letter to the Romans, we must continuously transform our minds with reason, guided by Jehovah’s word, to keep our service holy and acceptable: "And stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, so that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)

Recognizing Deceptive Influence

As our discussion continued, my wife informed me that Jeremy’s companion was recording our conversation on camera with a hidden microphone. This, combined with his evasive reasoning and reliance on misinterpreted scripture, prompted me to bring the conversation to an end. I told Jeremy that I did not give him permission to publish this material. His response was, "Of course, we'll publish!"

Though his response could lead me to form a judgment about Jeremy’s character, I will refrain from doing so. Instead, I will strive to imitate the approach of the archangel Michael:"When Michael 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.’" —Jude 9.

With Jeremy, we were disputing over the identity of Jesus’ body. I will respectfully leave this matter in Jehovah's hands.

This reasoning also leads to a very important question: Is Jeremy chosen to sit on the heavenly thrones, judging mankind alongside Jesus? Consider Jesus’ words to his faithful apostles, after Judas had departed:“You are the ones who have stuck with me in my trials, and I make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom, and sit on thrones to judge the 12 tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:28-30).

I sincerely believe that individuals who possess twisted logic originating from the father of the lie were never called for such a privilege and therefore will never receive this assignment. They do not share Jesus’ view on judgment. Jesus refrained from judging during his earthly ministry, even though he suffered great injustice. He endured, pleading with Jehovah to forgive those who mistreated him unjustly, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

Jesus’ chosen ones follow this same path. They endure trials with patience and humility, resisting the urge to judge prematurely. They stick with him in his trials, reflecting his attitudes and priorities. Jesus personally handpicks these individuals and supports them as they prove themselves faithful to their heavenly calling. It is this faithfulness, humility, and Christlike view of justice that qualifies them for such an extraordinary privilege.

By the way, it would be beneficial for everyone if Jesus were to select such individuals from among Jehovah’s Witnesses. We are among the few, if not the only ones, who reject the notion of sinners being punished forever in hellfire. This belief aligns closely with Jehovah’s loving nature and His purpose to ultimately bring justice and restoration, not eternal torment.

That said, Jeremy—and anyone else—still has hope of receiving favor, not by their own judgment or reasoning but through Jesus and his judging council. This hope is extended to all who sincerely repent, seek Jehovah’s favor, and align themselves with His purpose.

Clarity on Jesus’ Identity

Jeremy’s misunderstanding underscores the importance of accurately distinguishing Jesus from Jehovah. Jesus is the perfect reflection of Jehovah’s qualities, just as Adam was created in God’s image but was not God himself. Genesis 1:26-27 states: “Then God said: ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness.’”

This collaborative statement not only highlights Jesus' distinct role in creation but also reinforces his position as a divine being subordinate to Jehovah. Jehovah’s “image” is represented, but the distinction remains clear.

Why Doesn’t Jeremy See It Clearly?

This question brings to mind the Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:4:“The god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.”

I think this moment provides a perfect opportunity to address Jesus' response to the apostles when they requested to see the Father:“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Exercise faith in God; exercise faith also in me. In the house of my Father are many dwelling places. Otherwise, I would have told you, for I am going my way to prepare a place for you. Also, if I go my way and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will receive you home to myself, so that where I am you also may be. And where I am going, you know the way.”

Thomas said to him: “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you men had known me, you would have known my Father also; from this moment on you know him and have seen him.”

Philip said to him: “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him: “Even after I have been with you men for such a long time, Philip, have you not come to know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father also. How is it you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in union with the Father and the Father is in union with me? The things I say to you I do not speak of my own originality, but the Father who remains in union with me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in union with the Father and the Father is in union with me; otherwise, believe because of the works themselves." - John 14:1-11

This passage, especially when rendered differently in older Bible translations, has often been misinterpreted by some to suggest that Jesus is Jehovah. However, careful examination of the context makes it clear that Jesus is not claiming to be Jehovah but is emphasizing his unique union with and representation of the Father.

Firstly, as discussed earlier, any interpretation of this passage must align with the consistent distinction between Jesus and Jehovah throughout scripture. Secondly, when viewed in the full context of Jesus’ words, it becomes evident that he is pointing to his role as the perfect representative of Jehovah. His unity with the Father reflects complete harmony in purpose, will, and action—not equivalence in identity.

Breaking Down Jesus' Conversation and Its Implications

Jesus gives his apostles an unparalleled hope when he says:“I am going my way to prepare a place for you. Also, if I go my way and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will receive you home to myself, so that where I am you also may be.” (John 14:2-3)

This extraordinary promise offers his apostles the hope of being with him in heaven, a deeply personal and privileged relationship with him and the Father. Imagine if such a hope were presented to you personally by Jesus. How would you feel? Would it overwhelm you with gratitude, awe, or perhaps even a sense of unworthiness?

Reserved for Those Who Stuck with Jesus in His Trials

It’s essential to understand that this invitation was not extended to all human beings but specifically to those who remained loyal to Jesus during his trials. He clarified this when he said:“However, you are the ones who have stuck with me in my trials; and I make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom, and sit on thrones to judge the 12 tribes of Israel.” (Luke 22:28-30)

This covenant, made with those who shared in his suffering, points to a unique role and relationship. It wasn’t made lightly or broadly, even among his larger group of disciples.

A Personal Experience: A Man’s Honest Reflection

I recall a Bible study I conducted with a man who was familiar with the Bible, read it daily, and had hope of going to heaven. I asked him a straightforward question: "Do you feel that Jesus has personally chosen you, as he chose his 12 apostles? Do you feel that Jesus is saying to you, ‘You stuck with me in my trials, and I make a covenant with you to sit on a throne with me and judge the 12 tribes of Israel’?” His response was an emphatic “No.” I respected his honesty. Even though he cherished the hope of heaven, he acknowledged that he didn’t feel this specific personal invitation from Jesus. This level of self-awareness is significant.

The Apostles’ Readiness for This Covenant

Even the apostles who earlier sought positions of prominence in Jesus’ Kingdom—asking to sit at his right and left hand—didn’t fully grasp what they were asking for. Jesus questioned their readiness:“You do not know what you are asking for. Can you drink the cup that I am about to drink?” (Matthew 20:22)

Though they boldly affirmed that they could, the events surrounding Jesus’ arrest and execution revealed their unpreparedness. Despite this, Jesus demonstrated confidence in their future spiritual growth and maturity, ensuring them of their place in heaven. This trust and encouragement must have been a source of profound motivation for them.

The Pinnacle of Their Hope: Seeing the Father

This invitation naturally led to a deep desire among the apostles, as expressed by Philip:“Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” (John 14:8)

This request reflects the ultimate longing of any faithful servant of God—to see and know Jehovah more intimately. However, from a material standpoint, it wasn’t possible. Jehovah had made this clear when He told Moses:

“You cannot see my face, for no man can see me and live.” (Exodus 33:20)

John also affirmed this in his Gospel:

“No man has seen God at any time; the only-begotten god who is at the Father’s side is the one who has explained Him.” (John 1:18)

Jesus’ Response: Developing Spiritual Vision

Jesus helps his apostles understand that this desire to see the Father could be fulfilled in a spiritual sense. He says:

“So much time I am with you, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father also.” (John 14:9)

Here, Jesus emphasizes that his life, teachings, and actions perfectly reflect Jehovah’s qualities. To know Jesus deeply is to understand and appreciate the Father. This spiritual vision had already been hinted at earlier in their ministry. When Jesus called Philip and Nathanael, he said:

“Most truly I say to you men, you will see heaven opened up and the angels of God ascending and descending to the Son of man.” (John 1:51)

Jesus was guiding his followers to develop the ability to see beyond the physical—to perceive spiritual realities with clarity and faith. To conclude that Jesus was trying to tell his disciples that he is Jehovah would undermine the profound value of what he was teaching them: to develop the same mindset and qualities they observed in him. This spiritual growth and alignment with his example would ultimately prepare them for life in the heavenly realm. By following Jesus as "the way," they would come to know and "see" the Father—not in a literal sense while on earth, but through a deep, spiritual vision, as Stephan, Paul and Peter saw Jesus seated at the right hand of Jehovah.

Here are several scriptures I asked Chat GPT to generate for my readers that illustrate Jesus is not Jehovah even after his resurrection and glorification in heaven: 1. Jesus at Jehovah's Right Hand Acts 7:55-56: "But he, being full of holy spirit, gazed into heaven and caught sight of God’s glory and of Jesus standing at God’s right hand, and he said: 'Look! I see the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing at God’s right hand.'” This shows Jesus is distinct from God and occupies a subordinate position at His right hand. 2. Jesus Mediates Between God and Humans 1 Timothy 2:5: "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus." Jesus serves as a mediator between God and humans, reinforcing their distinct roles. 3. Jesus Receives Authority from Jehovah Matthew 28:18: "Jesus approached and spoke to them, saying: 'All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth.'" Authority is given to Jesus, indicating that he does not inherently possess it as Jehovah does. 4. Jesus’ Subjection to Jehovah 1 Corinthians 15:27-28: "For God 'subjected all things under his feet.' But when he says that ‘all things have been subjected,’ it is evident that this does not include the One who subjected all things to him. But when all things will have been subjected to him, then the Son himself will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone." This scripture clearly states that Jesus remains subordinate to Jehovah, even after the end of his heavenly rulership. 5. Jesus Declares Jehovah’s Name Revelation 3:12: "The one who conquers—I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will by no means go out from it anymore, and I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the New Jerusalem that descends out of heaven from my God, and my own new name." Four times in one verse, Jesus refers to Jehovah as “my God,” affirming his subordinate relationship. 6. Jesus' Role as High Priest Hebrews 7:25: "He is also able to save completely those who are approaching God through him, because he is always alive to plead for them." Jesus serves as High Priest, mediating between humans and Jehovah, showing a distinct and subordinate role. 7. Jehovah's Supreme Authority Revelation 4:11: "You are worthy, Jehovah our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they came into existence and were created." While Jesus is glorified, Jehovah alone is described as the Creator and the ultimate source of all authority. 8. Jesus Receives Revelation from Jehovah Revelation 1:1: "A revelation by Jesus Christ, which God gave him, to show his slaves the things that must shortly take place." Even in his heavenly glory, Jesus receives revelation from Jehovah, showing his continued subordination. 9. Jesus as King by Appointment Daniel 7:13-14: "I kept watching in the visions of the night, and look! with the clouds of the heavens, someone like a son of man was coming; and he gained access to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him up close before that One. And to him there were given rulership, honor, and a kingdom, that the peoples, nations, and language groups should all serve him." The "Ancient of Days" is Jehovah, who gives rulership to Jesus, the Son of Man, highlighting their separate identities. 10. Jesus as a Servant of Jehovah Isaiah 53:11: "Because of his anguish, he will see and be satisfied. By means of his knowledge the righteous one, my servant, will bring a righteous standing to many people, and their errors he will bear." Jesus is referred to as Jehovah’s servant, fulfilling His purpose, not equating himself to Jehovah. 11. Jesus Worships and Serves Jehovah Revelation 19:10: "At that I fell down before his feet to worship him. But he tells me: 'Be careful! Do not do that! I am only a fellow slave of you and of your brothers who have the work of witnessing about Jesus. Worship God!' For the witness concerning Jesus is what inspires prophecy." Worship is directed only to Jehovah, even in heavenly visions, affirming Jesus is not to be equated with God. 12. Jesus Prays to Jehovah Hebrews 5:7: "During his life on earth, Christ offered up supplications and also petitions with strong crying and tears to the One who was able to save him out of death, and he was favorably heard for his godly fear." Jesus prayed to Jehovah, showing his dependence and submission to the Father. 13. Jesus as the Lamb Before Jehovah's Throne Revelation 5:6-7: "And I saw standing in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures and of the elders a Lamb as though it had been slaughtered... He came and at once took it out of the right hand of the One seated on the throne." Jesus, the Lamb, is distinct from "the One seated on the throne," who is Jehovah. 14. Jesus' Name Exalted by Jehovah Philippians 2:9-11: "For this very reason, God exalted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name, so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend... and every tongue should openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." Jesus’ exaltation brings glory to Jehovah, the ultimate source of authority. 15. Jesus Submits to Jehovah’s Will John 20:17: "Jesus said to her: 'Stop clinging to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father and to my God and your God.’" Even after his resurrection, Jesus refers to Jehovah as "my God," showing continued subordination. 16. Jehovah Alone is the Creator Isaiah 45:18: "For this is what Jehovah says, the Creator of the heavens, the true God, the One who formed the earth and made it, the One who firmly established it, who did not create it simply for nothing, but formed it to be inhabited: 'I am Jehovah, and there is no one else.'" Jesus is described as the means by which Jehovah created (John 1:3), but Jehovah is the ultimate Creator. 17. Jesus Receives Revelation from Jehovah Revelation 22:1: "And he showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb." This verse again shows the distinct roles of "God" (Jehovah) and "the Lamb" (Jesus) in heavenly rulership. 18. Jesus Submits to Jehovah's Plan Matthew 26:39: "And going a little farther, he fell facedown, praying: 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me. Yet, not as I will, but as you will.'" Jesus submits his will entirely to Jehovah’s, reinforcing their distinct identities. 19. Jesus Points to Jehovah as the Ultimate Authority John 17:3: "This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ." Jesus refers to Jehovah as "the only true God," clearly separating himself from Jehovah. 20. Jesus Delivers the Kingdom Back to Jehovah 1 Corinthians 15:24: "Then the end will come, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father, when he has brought to nothing all government and all authority and power." At the conclusion of his rulership, Jesus will deliver the Kingdom to Jehovah, demonstrating his subordinate role.

Though faithful chosen ones develop a deep spiritual perception of Jehovah's qualities and purpose while on earth, their faithfulness throughout their earthly course leads to an unparalleled privilege: the opportunity to see the Father as He truly is. This privilege mirrors the clarity with which the resurrected Jesus now sees Him, as well as the perspective enjoyed by the angels. This is echoed in Jesus' last prayer with his faithful apostles, where he said: “I make request, not concerning these only, but also concerning those putting faith in me through their word, so that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us, so that the world may believe that you sent me. I have given them the glory that you have given me, in order that they may be one just as we are one. I in union with them and you in union with me, in order that they may be perfected into one, so that the world may know that you sent me and that you loved them just as you loved me. Father, I want those whom you have given me to be with me where I am, in order that they may look upon my glory that you have given me, because you loved me before the founding of the world. Righteous Father, the world has, indeed, not come to know you, but I know you, and these have come to know that you sent me. I have made your name known to them and will make it known, so that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in union with them.” – John 17:20-26.

The unity that Jesus claimed to have with Jehovah is also attainable by his faithful chosen ones. However, achieving this unity does not mean becoming Jehovah, just as Jesus did not become Jehovah. Instead, they will share a unique position alongside Jesus on heavenly thrones, where they will assist in judging mankind in accordance with Jehovah's purpose.

This conversation illustrates how Jesus helped his followers transition from material limitations to spiritual insight. It challenges us to reflect on the depth of our faith and understanding. Are we developing the spiritual vision to "see" the Father through Jesus’ example? Are we prepared to accept the hope Jesus offers and align ourselves with Jehovah’s purpose? These questions remain as relevant today as they were for the apostles.

Why don’t people like Jeremy see it? I believe they may fall victim to logic rooted in twisted reasoning rather than embracing logic grounded in the power of reason. There could also be additional motives at play. As Jesus said:

“I have said these things to you so that you may not be stumbled. Men will expel you from the synagogue. In fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he has offered a sacred service to God. But they will do these things because they have not come to know either the Father or me.” – John 16:1-3.

Some might fear losing privileges they enjoy in their churches or their social and business connections. Others might fear persecution or even the possibility of being killed. Then there’s Jesus’ observation: “You want to fulfill the desire of your father, the Devil.”

While I can’t claim to fully understand how this happens, Jesus clearly identified this influence in some. His profound insight into the hearts and minds of individuals is highlighted in John 2:24,25:"But Jesus would not entrust himself to them because he knew them all and because he did not need to have anyone bear witness about man, for he knew what was in man."

Unlike us, Jesus' understanding was not clouded by twisted things. His discernment was absolute, as evidenced in several accounts. For example:"Now certain scribes said to themselves: ‘This fellow is blaspheming.’ But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said: ‘Why are you thinking wicked things in your hearts?’" – Matthew 9:3,4.

"But immediately Jesus discerned by his spirit that they were reasoning that way among themselves, so he said to them:

‘Why are you reasoning these things in your hearts?’" – Mark 2:6-8.

Jesus also recognized sincerity when he saw it, as with Nathanael:"Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him: ‘See, truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.’ Nathanael said to him: ‘How do you know me?’ Jesus answered him: ‘Before Philip called you, while you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’" – John 1:47,48.

Moreover, Jesus was aware of disbelief and betrayal even before they occurred:"But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning those who did not believe and the one who would betray him. – John 6:64.

These scriptures emphasize that, even in human form, the Son of God had the extraordinary ability to perceive what was in people’s hearts before they spoke or acted. Despite this clarity, Jesus refrained from passing judgment prematurely. He stated:"I don’t judge any man; my word will judge in the last days." – John 12:47,48.

Although he understood why some people could not listen to him, he chose not to condemn them but to expose and counteract the works of the Devil, the ultimate source of twisted reasoning:"You are from your father, the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father. That one was a murderer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him." – John 8:44.

The impact of Jesus' mission was evident in his followers' success: "Then the 70 returned with joy, saying: ‘Lord, even the demons are made subject to us by the use of your name.’ At that he said to them: ‘I see Satan already fallen like lightning from heaven. Look! I have given you the authority to trample underfoot serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing at all will harm you.’" – Luke 10:17-19.

Jesus encouraged his disciples to focus on the eternal rewards of their faithful service:"Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are made subject to you, but rejoice because your names have been written in the heavens." – Luke 10:20.

Overwhelmed with joy, Jesus praised Jehovah for the way He revealed truth:"I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have carefully hidden these things from wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to young children. Yes, O Father, because this is the way you approved." – Luke 10:21.

Finally, he reminded his disciples of their unique privilege:"Happy are the eyes that see the things you are seeing. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see the things you are observing but did not see them, and to hear the things you are hearing but did not hear them." – Luke 10:23,24.

Jesus' work was to illuminate truth and guide his followers toward a deeper understanding of Jehovah, unmasking the works of the Devil. Through their faith, they could perceive spiritual realities hidden from others, making them recipients of divine wisdom and blessings.

The analysis of these scriptures sharpens our understanding of the profound transformation Jesus witnessed as a result of his preaching campaigns. People were being freed from Satan's lies, their lives radically changed as they embraced the truths of the good news. This transformation fulfilled the prophecy Jesus declared in his hometown of Nazareth when he read from Isaiah:“Jehovah’s spirit is upon me, because he anointed me to declare good news to the poor. He sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and a recovery of sight to the blind, to send the crushed ones away free, to preach Jehovah’s acceptable year.” – Luke 4:18,19.

After reading this, Jesus rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and declared:“Today this scripture that you just heard is fulfilled.” – Luke 4:21.

By observing the fruits of his ministry, Jesus saw the fulfillment of this prophecy in action. People were liberated from spiritual captivity, their eyes were opened to the truth, and they were freed from the crushing weight of Satan’s twisted lies. This was not just a theoretical transformation; it was a real, observable change in the lives of those who accepted the good news.

Despite this success, Jesus refrained from passing judgment, even though his disciples often yearned for the arrival of Judgment Day. When they inquired about the timing of these events, Jesus redirected their focus, saying:“It does not belong to you to know the times or seasons that the Father has placed in his own jurisdiction.” – Acts 1:7. This response emphasized that their role was not to concern themselves with the timing of Jehovah’s judgment but to remain focused on their mission. Jesus' hope and purpose centered on freeing people from Satan’s lies and gathering the lost sheep of Israel. His primary focus was preaching the Kingdom, offering hope, and guiding people to Jehovah.

The ultimate test of his mission, however, lay ahead. Jesus knew he would soon have to sacrifice his human life as a ransom for many—a pivotal moment in Jehovah’s purpose to reconcile humanity to Himself. By doing so, Jesus demonstrated his unwavering dedication to the fulfillment of Jehovah’s will, providing a way for all to turn from Satan’s twisted things and embrace the truth that leads to everlasting life.

Perhaps, as I discussed in my chapter about making a big decision, other obstacles could also prevent someone from accepting the power of reason over twisted logic. In my case, it was the hesitation to let go of loose moral standards. Smoking, political inclinations, stealing, and other personal struggles could similarly hold others back from fully embracing the truth.

I am certain that Jesus saw me through those times when I rejected the power of reason and was ensnared by twisted thinking. I am deeply thankful for the patience and mercy that were shown to me. Should I not extend that same undeserved kindness to people like Jeremy? Without a doubt!

For those like Jeremy, this misunderstanding is not uncommon. It stems from a failure to harmonize the entirety of scripture and instead focusing narrowly on certain verses. My hope is that by reflecting on these inspired words and examining the broader biblical narrative, others (including Jeremy) can come to see Jesus for who he truly is: the Son of God, the perfect image of Jehovah—not Jehovah himself.

Why Understanding That Jesus Is Not Jehovah Is Critical for Everlasting Life

Recognizing that Jesus is not Jehovah is crucial for understanding the divine plan for humanity and the unique roles Jehovah and Jesus play in providing salvation. Here are the key reasons why this distinction matters:

1. Jehovah Cannot Perish

Jehovah, as the Creator of the universe, is eternal and indestructible. He has existed forever and will continue to exist forever. The idea that Jehovah could manifest in a vulnerable human form, even as a baby, contradicts His nature as the Almighty God.

Psalm 90:2 reminds us:"Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God."

Jehovah's power is unparalleled. To suggest that He would risk the stability of the universe by becoming a mortal man undermines the very qualities that define Him as God—His omnipotence, omniscience, and immutability.

2. Jehovah’s Purpose to Reunite Heaven and Earth

The purpose of sending Jesus was not simply to save humanity but to reconcile everything in heaven and on earth under Jehovah’s sovereignty. This decision was tied to the events in Genesis 6:1-2, where some angels abandoned their heavenly positions to take human wives, leading to further corruption of the human race. Jehovah preserved humanity through the Flood and prevented further contamination by barring rebellious angels from taking on human form.

Jehovah didn’t need to intervene personally to resolve these issues. Instead, He sent His spiritual Son, who willingly took on human form, to demonstrate how reconciliation could occur. This perfect man would live a life of obedience and integrity, setting a path for others to follow.

3. Jehovah’s Solution to Satan’s Challenge

Satan’s rebellion and his corruption of humanity raised a significant question: Was humanity fatally flawed from creation, or could humans live in perfect obedience to Jehovah’s laws? Jehovah’s decision to send Jesus as a perfect human answered this question. Jesus’ human life demonstrated that humans are capable of living in harmony with Jehovah’s standards, even under severe trials. Unlike angels who can assume and discard human forms, Jesus’ experience was genuine and relatable: He got hungry. He grew tired. He relied on Jehovah for strength.

Whose life does human society appreciate more: Jesus or Adam? Both Adam and Jesus had the freedom to live their lives as they wished. Adam chose independence, while Jesus chose to harmonize his life with Jehovah's mission for him. Which of them had a more meaningful life? Whose model would we rather follow?

Jesus, in his fully human form, provided a realistic, achievable model for us to follow. With a better understanding of human nature, he can serve as a priest or mediator and help reconcile us with our Creator. Hebrews 4:15 emphasizes:

"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tested in all respects as we have, yet without sin."

4. Jesus Showed the Way as a Perfect Human

If Jesus had been half-god or retained his full pre-human spiritual powers while on earth, his life would have been artificial and unattainable for us to imitate. Instead, he lived as a real human, fully dependent on Jehovah for guidance and support.

This is why his faithfulness provides such powerful evidence that humanity can be restored to perfection. Consider this, faithful humans like Moses, Elijah, Samson, and others also received Jehovah’s supernatural support, but they didn’t know the full way to salvation. Jesus came to clarify that way. Through Jesus, Jehovah provided the ultimate example of obedience and reliance on Him. Once the way was clearly identified, millions followed it without requiring miraculous support. John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This reinforces the point: Jesus, as a human, showed us a way that was attainable. If he had been anything more, his example would lose its meaning for us.

5. Jesus Was Fully Human on Earth

While Jesus was aware of his pre-human existence and the glory he would return to after his resurrection, his earthly experience was entirely human. Philippians 2:7-8: "He emptied himself and took a slave’s form and became human. More than that, when he came as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, yes, death on a torture stake." His human nature ensured that his example could be realistically followed. He depended on Jehovah, just as we must.

6. Jesus and Jehovah Are Distinct

Jesus never claimed to be Jehovah. Instead, he consistently referred to Jehovah as his Father and God. For instance, in John 20:17, after his resurrection, Jesus told Mary Magdalene: “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” This clear distinction helps us understand their relationship: Jehovah is the Source of all creation, while Jesus is His chosen instrument to accomplish His will.

Summary

Understanding that Jesus is not Jehovah is critical for obtaining everlasting life because:

It upholds Jehovah’s eternal, unchanging nature.
It emphasizes the vital role Jesus played as a perfect human example, not as God Himself.
It validates Jehovah’s original purpose for humanity by showing that humans can live in harmony with Him through obedience.

By recognizing Jesus as Jehovah’s obedient Son and chosen representative—not Jehovah Himself—we align with the truth of God’s Word and the path to everlasting life. This understanding strengthens our faith, guiding us to follow Jesus’ footsteps with the assurance that we, too, can live in harmony with Jehovah’s will.

Power of Reason vs. Twisted Things

Sergei's Story

Other Stories from Sergei