What Does The Bible Really Teach?

by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

The Bible provides the key to your enjoying a truly satisfying life. It can help you to deal with problems. Would you like to find out what the Bible really teaches? This book will help you.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Theology, Christian, Philosophy, History, Cults

223 pages, paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit corporation formed in 1884 under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, U.S.A. It is used by Jehovah’s Witnesses to support their worldwide work, which includes publishing Bibles and Bible-based literature.

According to its charter, the corporation’s purposes are “religious, educational, and charitable,” in particular, to “preach and teach the gospel of God’s Kingdom under Christ Jesus.” Membership in the corporation is by invitation only and is not based on how much a person has donated. The corporation members and directors assist the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really surprised to find this on here. I thought, let me just see. And here it is. I'm currently studying this book. It really is a great source to find out what the Bible really teaches and puts to rest a lot of confusion. This book strengthens my faith very much. I've shared copies with some of my friends in hopes to get them to open their minds and their Bibles so they can find out the truth.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Watchtower publication used by Jehovah's Witnesses in Bible studies. You do not, however, need to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses to get anything from this book. I am not one of Jehovah's Witnesses; I learned more from this book than I did in 20 years of going to church and it is because of this book that I decided to study the Bible on my own.

For those who are simply interested in learning about what Jehovah's Witnesses believe this book is a great introduction. And you can get a free copy sent to you from watchtower.org. Or ask me and I'll be happy to get one for you.

[Veise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I saw the heart of the Scriptures just from looking at the 'blue pages', as I call them. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that, all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching and setting things straight. It also gave me hope of a future w/o all these negative realities of today.

[Pam10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It just explains the truth so beautifully and simply. it's so direct in what the bible really teaches =)

[Lionkhan-sama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What an experience.
Let me start of by saying I am of the Islamic faith, and have been all my life. I am perfectly happy and convinced by my faith and I did not start reading this book, as an alternative to my religion.

My friend gave me this book, and recommended I read it to understand some of the philosophies and thoughts of Jehovah's Witnesses, as me and him are always discussing many varied topics that realm on the form of religions and religious thought.

I have always been somewhat sceptical of Christianity, and all it's modern forms. However, Jehovah's Witnessed are different. I'm glad I got to see and understand this for myself.
In fact, the clearest thing I realised upon completing this book is that Muslims and Jehovah's Witnesses are practically one in the same. We preach the same things. Believe in the same philosophies. And both our scriptures contain the same message. Almost perfectly identical.

I have gotten myself a copy of The New World Translation of the Bible, and look forward to reading through it, relating it to the Quran, and understanding my Christian brothers and sisters more and more.

May love and understanding prevail in this world. <3

[Jawe Querimit · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you believe in the bible and want to know more about it, this is the perfect book for you.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to reason on the Bible with the aid of this book and see that God really does care for us. Easy to read, I used my own Bible to verify scriptures. One point I appreciated was finding God has a name. Psalms 83:18 gives his name as Jehovah. Jesus was his son and very special person. I recommend this book.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're interested in learning about what the Jehovah's Witnesses believe, this is a great starting point. While there is much that I disagree with, this small book conveys their beliefs in a fair manner.

[G · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolute cult training rubbish. Low level reading designed with logic flaws to lead gullible people to the conclusion that only Watchtower teachings can be right and anyone outside of Watchtower's control is serving Satan.

[Olivia Rosenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses. This book helps others to know the truth about the bible. If u would like to study the bible with one of Jehovah's Witnesses, go to our web site at jw.org

[Stuart Laughlin]

I don't think I can really give a star-rating to this one. Interesting read; really awful theology. I feel I have a pretty good understanding of the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses now, and look forward to an opportunity to discuss with them. Probably the most striking thing to me was how impoverished their religion is when compared to the robust historic Christianity I believe and practice. I feel sorry for them that they are missing out on so much glorious good news. Lots I can agree with in here, but the errors are massive and legion.

[Sally Lotz · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you're thinking about reading this book or you're thinking about studying with Jehovah's Witnesses - reader beware.

Before you engage with the Jehovah's Witnesses you should know the truth behind the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, the organization behind this book. They are not what you think they are.

Here a few places to check out and a few tips you.
1) Be aware of what they're teaching you. Do a Google Search on Jehovah's Witnesess. Go to outside sources not just the Jehovah's Witnesses for answers.
2) Ask about their shunning practices and what happens to your family if they don't convert too (note they will lie and say they don't do this. But if you ask around, and ask enough people you will find out this is one of the things the people who have what they call the "Truth" lie about.
3) Ask what the policy of abuse victims and children who molested is. And why, does the victim have to confront the accused? Why are the criminals not handed over to the police? Again, you will get a cookie cutter response. Check it out for yourself:

IMPORTANT! Visit http://www.cultwatch.com/cultic-warni...
Learn about the rampant pedophile problem and abuse issues: jwfacts.com and jwsurvey.com
Stay informed! You will lose your family, your friends, your hopes and dreams, your life. Once you're enslaved in their world...it's almost impossible to get out.

Also, I suggest you watch the Scientology series by Leah Remini. Although she is exposing Scientology the JW's practice many of the same policies, they call them by a different name though. Again, if you ask about it - you will get a cookie cutter answer telling you the world and satan are out to get them.
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[Tareq Binhatem Al Blooshi · Rating 1 out of 5]

و أنا أمشي في إحدى شوارع لندن مع احد الأصدقاء، إذا بفتاة توزع مثل هذه الكتب المختصة بالتوراة و الإنجيل ( العهد القديم و الجديد ) فتوجهت لها و أخذت بعض الكتيبات، فقال صديقي : أتقرأ الإنجيل !!! أتشك في القرآن ؟؟ فقلت له : كَوني أقرأ الإنجيل لا يعني انني أؤمن به، فليس كل ما يُقرأ يؤخذ به ..
ذكرت هذه القصة لأنها مشابهة لِما طرحه هذا الكتاب في احدى أجزائه مناشداً بالقراءة و الإطلاع على كل شيء و من ثم الأخذ بالصحيح ..

هذا الكتاب يغض النظر كثيراً عن النقاط السلبية في التوراة الدموية و الإنجيل المتناقض في كثير من أجزائه .. و هذا يتضح من عنوان الكتاب : ((ماذا يعلمنا الإنجيل حقاً؟))، عموماً هذا الكتاب يطرح الجميل في الإنجيل و يجيب على بعض الأسئلة المطروحة على الطاولة الكنسية بشكل عصري يقبل السؤال، شخصياً ارى ان طريقة الخطاب في هذا الكتاب أصح من الكثير من الخطابات الدينية التي تمنع السؤال و تقمع صاحبه ((في الأسلوب)) .. اختلف كثيراً مع مضمون الكتاب و الإستدلالات التي أراها غير منطقية في تأكيد وجود الله و رحمته، الطرح القرآني أفضل و أصفى ..
الكتاب جميل لمن يريد ان يأخذ الجميل و يترك عداه، و لمن يريد ان يلقي نظرة على الطرح الإنجيلي ..

نجمة لإسلوب الخطاب المتقبل للسؤال و النقاش .. و ٤ نجوم غابت مع غياب الأجوبة المنطقية المناسبة لأسئلة عقول العصر .

اقتبس منه هذه الآية الجميلة:
"Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you." - Matthew 7:7.

[Cassidy April · Rating 4 out of 5]

A succinct, yet thorough, summation of Jehovah's Witnesses' beliefs. There are discussion questions, to encourage you to consider what you're learning and reevaluate—the obvious aim is not to indoctrinate, but to produce a discourse. Each chapter is also summarized at the end, which is helpful. To paraphrase JK Rowling (specifically her book, The Half Blood Prince), you don't want to read something just for it to "slip through [your] brain without leaving the slightest trace of meaning behind".

For each point they make, there is a relevant scripture cited. If you're interested in the study of religion, this could definitely be called thought-provoking. Even if you don't agree with their beliefs, I think you can see for yourself that they didn't come from nowhere. I personally found it to be a fascinatingly insightful view into the Bible. You learn things you've never heard of before, and the most surprising thing is, when you look them up yourself, you find them to be true. They aren't misleading anybody by deliberately misconstruing the meaning of the scriptures to match their beliefs. There's an amount of honesty that is, frankly, quite refreshing. It really is well-researched, in my opinion.

However, the writing style is a little blunt, and I understand why that may be perceived as forceful. If you aren't looking to change religions, you might find yourself a little insulted. But I will say that one should keep in mind the point of this book: to learn what the Bible says is true. I think they succeeded on that front. You're still meant to consider for yourself whether or not to adopt Christianity based on its own merits. They're merely proposing some new ideas about an old religion, and really, if you were possessed of even the least amount of brain cells, you could decide on your own what you think about that.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is published by Jehovah's Witnesses. It is organized topically with supporting scriptures on subjects such as God's Kingdom, Jesus Christ, the sanctity of life and blood, and family life. I would encourage anyone to read the book with an open mind and an open Bible. See for yourself and don't take anyone else's word for it."

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to know more about the bible and improve your relationship with God, you must read this book. It contains the truth about His Word and is laid out in a way that helps you learn in a progressive manor, although I find that discussing it with one of Jehovah's Witnesses that could help answer my questions to be the best way to go. But PLEASE read this with your copy of the Bible!!

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! So happy to have this book and share it with others.

[Mark Eikema · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would have given it two stars if the title were "What Do Jehovah's Witnesses Really Believe?". That's not the case though. And frankly, the title doesn't fit the book. The most basic reason would be that is uses a (per)version of the Bible that basically every serious scholar on the topic considers outside of the realm of actual Bible translations. Making claims about X by studying Y doesn't make sense. Therefore, sadly, I have to say it's not much on an actual Bible study tool.

[Siobhan O' Sullivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is typical of religious organisations, using quotes from the bible to fit their ideal, yet turn around on page 219 and say "THE book of revelation contains expressions that are not to be taken literally" . It's condescending in it's wording i.e. Imagine what it felt like to know Jesus was............. WHATEVER!!!!!!!!!!

[David Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a good friend who happens to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses,and he recommended this book to me.A very thoughtful approach to the Bible and a good introduction to Watchtower Beliefs,it is beautifully illustrated and well put together.I recommend this book to anyone interested in the Watchtower Society and the organazation as a whole

[Anders Winther · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was definitely an interesting book, with language that always wanted to make you feel happy. In a "believe us or you are a moron" - way. It was filled with contradiction and leading questions, if you had your own hypothesis, it had better be theirs. Over all and interesting look into a religion I don't myself believe in, always nice to see the world from the perspective of others

[Danny Sifonte]

it always teaches me many important life lessons and it teaches me more about how i should live my life.

[Melissa Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent learning aid to be used with your Bible!!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book ever to help one understand basic Bible Truths. All information is from the Bible and answers many of life's questions.

[Andrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can i say?
It is the truth!

[Michael Arnold · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wasn't going to write anything about this book because I only read it out of personal curiosity. I've been trying to explore religion a lot more fairly recently. I've been an atheist for most of my life, but I'm starting to find myself not satisfied with that anymore.

Also, I really don't want to step on any toes here, but this is a really bad book.

There's a few interesting ideas here, and questions raised that I liked to think about. That much is good, but primarily this book is really badly written. Full of exclamation points, about statements that it treats as somehow self evidently true. What a stupid idea! <- imagine an entire book written like those last two sentences, it's just obnoxious.

There's also valley-sized gaps in the information and ideas that this book either presents or argues. It is clear the writer (who I don't think is credited) did not think about his text being read by someone who was in any way sceptical. For one example, it seemed to treat the year 1914, being the year Jesus started battling the forces of darkness in the world, as totally self evident - very strange. After googling this idea, it led me to learn about the Watch Tower group, who have been criticized for allegedly practicing mind control. Nice! (Sorry, I did it again)

No, I still do not know why 1914 is so important. The outbreak of WW1? Does that have anything to do with it?

I didn't even realise this book was published by Jehovah's Witnesses until half way through, and again, I'm not trying to step on any toes. I'm talking about the book, not the beliefs, and the book is bad.

[Clarence]

*książka czytana w języku polskim*
Książka o charakterze propagandowym wydana przez Świadków Jehowy. Przedstawia podstawowe dogmaty ich religii oraz zawiera przykładowe argumenty mające na celu skłonienie czytelnika do dołączenia do organizacji.
Jako osoba, która interesuje się tematem Świadków Jehowy od dłuższego czasu, nie dowiedziałem się z tej publikacji niczego nowego. Pomogła mi jednak lepiej wczuć się w perspektywę osoby potencjalnie zainteresowanej przystąpieniem do tej grupy.
Oczywiście, jak już wspomniałem, jest to pozycja napisana w celach propagandowych, dlatego przed lub po lekturze zdecydowanie warto samodzielnie poszukać dodatkowych informacji o Świadkach Jehowy — z niezależnych i obiektywnych źródeł.

[Ekeleyokpa Ughulu · Rating 5 out of 5]

It focuses on mind boggling questions that only the bible provides satisfying answers to.

[Crystal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Traumatised me for life

[Paul F. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Inline image

Revelation is a book of symbols, not to be taken literally but in its spiritual meanings.
Even his vision of Christ appears in symbolic form with a double-edged sword coming out of his mouth, and John is told to record what will be signified or shown by signs regarding those things which already are or will very soon take place.

The battle of Armageddon is being fought right now as we can see the forces of evil attacking all around us.
It is not speaking of a literal war fought with horses with blood flowing up to the horses' harnesses.
Neither is the mark of the beast or the 1000-year reign or any of those numbers literal, like the 144,000. These are all symbolic representations with spiritual meaning, many already having been fulfilled, just as John says in his introduction.
Christ's kingdom is a present reality right here and now, as we reign with him victoriously over the power of sin and Satan. It is a kingdom not of this world, just as Jesus said to Pilate.

When Jesus returns, it will be to raise all the dead who have ever lived and to judge in the final judgment after the dead are raised. At his coming, the salvation Jesus will bring to his own redeemed and faithful people will be revealed.
Jesus said that both the wicked and the righteous will live together until the end of the world (Matthew 13), when the angels will come to remove first the wicked from among the righteous, not the other way around as the rapture fiction pretends. Only after the judgment following the resurrection are the believers taken up to be forever more with the Lord in the Father's Kingdom.

The so-called "Rapture" was never part of historical Christianity until the 19th century and especially the 20th century when it was popularized by the fictional writings of Tim LeHaye's Left Behind series, nonsensical writing which contradicts the very words of Jesus as noted above.

Of course, Revelation is a work of spiritual significance expressed and depicted through symbols, which symbolism is explained in the writings of the apostles, such as the meaning of the "first resurrection" (the new birth as mentioned in Ephesians and many other places), the ruling with Christ in this present world as a royal priesthood of believers reigning victoriously over sin and Satan, to which John himself refers in his opening verses of Revelation, also mentioned by Peter and Paul. The Holy Spirit and the words of Christ and his apostles give understanding to those whose eyes are not blinded by loyalty to denominational doctrines and human teachings rather than to the pure word of God read without being viewed through a lens of denominational overlay.

God told Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sands of the sea. With the naked eye under the best of visual conditions and circumstances, only a few thousand stars can be seen, but we know now that the universe contains more stars than there are grains of sand on all the beaches and deserts of the planet. It would be foolish to give a literal interpretation to everything we see in Scripture. "The cattle on a thousand hills are the Lord's" is just a figurative expression, just as the 6/7 "days" of creation are metaphorical, expressed in terms that people of those ancient times could relate to, and not of course literal 24-hour days.
In Revelation, the description of a city in a perfect cube with each side 1500 miles long, a city 1500 miles high, is not a literal description but a symbolic one of the perfection of God's redeemed Church, his Bride dressed in his perfect righteousness.

We must be wise in our understanding, not led about by every wind of false doctrine and teaching of man. The Pharisees were wrong because they expected an earthly future literal and worldly Kingdom of the Messiah on this Earth, which is very much like what the millennialists teach today. Jesus told Pilate that his kingdom is not of this world--but rather a spiritual Kingdom right here and now in the hearts of all those in whom God's will is done during this present gospel age, the "thousand years" simply expressing the fullness of time in God's plan which is not entirely revealed to us. Revelation also mentions the seven spirits of God, which again we realize and recognize is not a literal depiction but symbolism of God's perfection.

Some Pharisees asked Jesus when the Kingdom of God would come. His answer was, “The Kingdom of God does not come in such a way as to be seen. No one will say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’-- because the Kingdom of God is within you.”
(Luke 17:20-21)

In an epistle Paul plainly states that when Jesus returns, he will deliver up his kingdom, this spiritual Kingdom in which we reign with him right here and now, at his coming to the Father, and that we shall reign in heaven eternally with him there, not in literal Israel. The New Testament plainly teaches that the true Zion / Israel and chosen people of God is not literal Jewry but the spiritual children of Abraham who compose God's Church of all the redeemed. God's focus is not on some literal real estate in the Middle East or on its population but rather he is focused on that most valuable of all real estate: the hearts of all mankind who are called to repentance and continuing obedient faith in his Son, turning from sin to God. While others dream and fantasize of a millennial age to come, He's reigning in our hearts today!

The REAL "Replacement Theology":

Replace resurrection WITH RAPTURE
Replace one second coming WITH TWO
Replace one plan of redemption WITH TWO
Replace living, spiritual temple WITH PHYSICAL
Replace current reign of Christ in spiritual Zion, God's church, WITH KING-ON-HOLD
Replace centrality of Jesus Christ WITH CENTRALITY OF 'ISRAEL'

DISPENSATIONALISM IS THE REAL REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY!
It is the Bible which is "Left Behind"!

Everything that is said in the gospels and epistles about the second coming of Christ has to be considered in its totality, and the pieces fit together perfectly like a puzzle.

Jesus returns suddenly on the "last day" (as he says three times in John 6), the "day" of resurrection and final judgment. With him he will bring the souls of all those who have been in paradise. The time of his coming is not known; we will not have a thousand and seven years of advance notice. It could be today. Of course, since the world is round, that would be at all hours of the clock including night time depending on where one lives. But everyone on Earth will see him, including all mankind from all previous centuries and ages. In a twinkling of an eye all humanity who have ever lived are exposed before him as the entire material, physical, and molecular universe in this dimension of time, space, and matter which we now inhabit is dissolved instantaneously in fiery conflagration, passing away with a mighty roar. The Earth and starry heavens exist no more.

The overwhelming power and glory of the Son of God is on display as he reveals the final salvation of his people. The angels remove the wicked first from among the righteous and then all mankind are judged, whether good or evil.
The wicked are taken to their eternal punishment, and the righteous in Christ are taken with him as Jesus Christ delivers up his kingdom to the Father, in which we shall reign together with him forever.

There will be degrees of eternal shame, disgrace, and bitterness of regretful sorrow and punishment in hell, and there will be degrees of glory and reward in heaven.

God will do all things justly. There will be provision made for those who are classified as innocents, such as those who, although possessing souls, did not as infants or otherwise possess ability to make moral decisions resulting in spiritual death from sin, but the Bible does not give us any details about this; it is to be inferred.

Heaven will be not at all what people imagine but far more wonderful. We will have spiritual bodies and will not appear as we do in this life but will bear the image of the glorious Son of God as he is now, not as he appeared in human form as he ascended from the Mount of Olives.

As Jesus said, "The one who endures to the end will be saved.... Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of Life."

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