Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia

What Do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe?

Bible. As a worldwide Christian society of people, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God. Instead of adhering to a creed based on human tradition, they hold to the Bible as the standard for all their beliefs.

God. They worship Jehovah as the only true God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth.

Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (Matthew 16:15- 17) He came to earth from heaven and laid down his perfect human life as a ransom sacrifice. His death and resurrection make possible salvation to eternal life for those exercising faith in him. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus will rule as King of God's Kingdom from the heavens over an earth restored to righteousness and peace.

Neutrality. Jesus said: "I am no part of the world." (John 17:16) Accordingly, Jehovah's Witnesses do not take sides in party politics or fight in the wars of nations. Their stand is well documented in history and can be traced to the example of the first-century Christians. Jehovah's Witnesses firmly believe that they must 'beat their swords into plowshares and learn war no more.' (Isaiah 2: 3, 4) At the same time, Jehovah's Witnesses never interfere with what others choose to do, and they recognize the authority of nations to raise armies and defend themselves.

Good Citizenship. Jehovah's Witnesses obey the superior (governmental) authorities and conscientiously pay their taxes. (Romans 13: 1, 7) Additionally, both their publications and their public ministry encourage everyone to be law-abiding. They do not isolate themselves from the rest of society. They live and work in the midst of other people. A good many of them have studied in medical, technical, or other scientific fields and work as physicians, engineers, or other skilled professionals. They do not follow a human leader; their Leader is Jesus Christ. (Matthew 23:10) In order to become Jehovah's Witnesses, many among them abandoned the abuse of drugs and alcohol, stealing, and other antisocial practices.

Families. Jehovah's Witnesses highly regard family life and follow the Biblical commands that husbands love their wives, wives respect their husbands, and children obey their parents. (Ephesians 5: 216: 4) They are very interested in the well-being of their children and try to raise them to become worthwhile members of society.

Family

Health. Jehovah's Witnesses desire long and healthy lives. For this reason they do not smoke or abuse drugs. They may use alcoholic beverages in moderation, but they shun drunkenness. They do not practice abortion or engage in sexual relations outside of marriage. Jehovah's Witnesses seek to obtain the best medical care available for themselves and their children. They obey the Bible's command to "abstain . . . from blood" and thus avoid the hazards and often fatal complications arising from transfusion with another person's blood. Acts 15: 20, 28, 29.

Financial Support. Organizational activities are supported by the voluntary contributions of members. Jehovah's Witnesses work in order to provide themselves and their families with sufficient means for life. This also allows them the opportunity to give financial support to the local congregation as well as to the religious work of Jehovah's Witnesses in general. Because of these voluntary contributions, Bibles and Bible-based literature can be offered to interested persons free of charge, and in addition, places for worship can be rented or built. Since Jehovah's Witnesses feel closely united as a global brotherhood, it is not surprising that they want to support the religious activity of their spiritual brothers in countries with unstable economies or other problems.

Ministry. As is indicated by their name, all of Jehovah's Witnesses talk to others about Jehovah, and they follow Jesus' command to "make disciples." (Matthew 28: 19, 20) All their ministerial activity is done on a volunteer basis, and Jehovah's Witnesses have no paid clergy.