Page 79 - Cults and Marginal Groups - Textbook w videos short

The Way of Salvation for the “Others”

Salvation for the “other sheep” is a works-oriented salvation, just as it is for the “Anointed Class.” The
main work is to go door to door and distribute Watchtower literature (preaching of the Good News –
God’s way to life).

JWs give lip service to the idea of salvation by grace through faith in Christ. JW’s believe that
they are not yet declared righteous for life…that takes place in the Millennium if they
continue in faithful obedience. They affirm that while good works do not earn salvation,
they are nevertheless prerequisites to for salvation. To be saved, they must obey all
Jehovah’s laws which also means obeying the Watchtower Society (no blood transfusions,
celebrating birthdays or holiday, wearing crosses, etc., etc., etc.) The most important work
is participating in sharing the Watchtower message with other people. Without such good
works, salvation is impossible.

Salvation, therefore, comes by total obedience to the Watchtower Society and vigorous participation in
the various programs prescribed by the Society. JWs are taught that in doing so, they are “working out”
their salvation (Phil 2:12 NWT). Unless a person identifies with the Watchtower Society, he has NO
HOPE of salvation.

To the JW, grace is the OPPORTUNITY to “work out” or earn their salvation. It is not a free gift from
God.

A JW does not know for sure if they have done enough to merit salvation in this life. Even doing his
best, the Witness is told that if he or she should fail during the future millennium, he will be annihilated.
However, if he or she is faithful to God throughout the 1000-year period, he or she may finally be
“declared righteous” and eternal life may finally be granted.

What about Jesus and His death on the Cross? The Society teaches that Jesus did die on a stake as a
sacrifice for sin. They teach that the human life laid down in sacrifice was exactly equal to
the human life Adam fell with. Jesus’ death BALANCED the scales of justice. They call it the
“Corresponding Ransom.” Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, however, cannot be applied
to other than Adam’s sin.

Being “born again” is the new birth granted the “Anointed Class” only. The “Other sheep”
do not need a rebirth.

So you see, they use MANY of the same words, but mean something totally different. When witnessing
to them, you must clearly define what you mean!

WITNESSING NOTE: Did you know that close to 200 time in the New Testament salvation is said to be
by faith alone – with no works in sight. Consider Acts 16:31, John 3:15, 5:24, 11:25, 12:46, 20:31, Eph.
2:8-9, Titus 3:5, Romans 3:20, Gal. 2:16. Does salvation as described in these verses sound like the
concept of salvation that is set forth in the Watchtower literature, or do you see a difference?

It is the clear testimony of Scripture that a heavenly destiny awaits all who believe in Jesus Christ, not
just a select group of 144,000 anointed believers:

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