Our Beliefs
Discover what Jehovah's Witnesses believe based on the Bible
Core Beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses
The Bible
We believe the Bible is God's inspired Word and the ultimate authority for our beliefs and practices. We encourage everyone to read and study the Bible personally to verify what we teach.
Jehovah God
We worship Jehovah as the one true God, the Creator of all things. His name appears thousands of times in the Bible, and we believe using it honors Him and draws us closer to Him.
Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus is God's Son, the Messiah, and our Savior. Through his sacrificial death, he provided the ransom that makes salvation possible for all who exercise faith in him.
God's Kingdom
We believe God's Kingdom is a real government in heaven that will soon rule over the earth, bringing peace, justice, and eternal life to obedient mankind.
The Role of the Bible in Our Lives
The Bible is central to everything we do. We believe it is "inspired of God" (2 Timothy 3:16) and provides practical guidance for daily living. Through regular Bible study, we learn God's will and how to apply Bible principles in our families, work, and relationships. We use the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, which accurately conveys the original meaning of Bible texts in modern language. We also respect and reference other Bible translations in our study.
Our Relationship with Jehovah God
Jehovah is not a distant, impersonal force—He is a loving Father who cares about each of us individually. The Bible reveals His beautiful qualities: love, justice, wisdom, and power. By using His personal name, Jehovah, we show respect and develop a close relationship with Him. We communicate with God through prayer, and we see evidence of His love in creation, His Word, and the way He cares for His people.
Jesus Christ: Our Savior and Model
Jesus Christ is the most important person who ever lived. As God's firstborn Son, he came to earth to teach us about Jehovah and to provide a ransom sacrifice for our sins (Matthew 20:28). We strive to imitate Jesus' example of love, humility, and obedience to God. While we honor Jesus and recognize his vital role in God's purpose, we direct our worship only to Jehovah God, as Jesus himself taught (John 4:23, 24).
God's Kingdom: Our Hope for the Future
Jesus taught his followers to pray for God's Kingdom to come (Matthew 6:9, 10). This Kingdom is a heavenly government with Jesus as King. Soon, it will remove all wickedness and suffering from the earth and transform it into a paradise. Those who exercise faith and live according to God's standards will enjoy eternal life in peace and happiness. This is the "good news" we are commissioned to preach worldwide (Matthew 24:14).
Living According to Bible Principles
Family Life
We follow Bible principles that strengthen families. This includes showing love and respect, maintaining moral purity, and raising children with godly values.
Honesty & Integrity
We strive to be honest in all our dealings, whether in business, at work, or in personal relationships. The Bible's high moral standards guide our conduct.
Peace & Neutrality
Following Jesus' example, we remain neutral in political conflicts and do not participate in warfare. We respect all governments but give our ultimate allegiance to God's Kingdom.
Love in Action
True Christianity is demonstrated through actions. We show love by helping others spiritually and practically, caring for the needy, and treating all people with dignity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't Jehovah's Witnesses celebrate holidays?
We do not celebrate holidays that have pagan origins or that are not based on Bible teachings. For example, Christmas and Easter have roots in non-Christian customs. Instead, we commemorate the death of Jesus Christ annually, as he commanded (Luke 22:19, 20). We do enjoy gatherings, family time, and showing appreciation for others throughout the year.
Why do Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions?
We respect the Bible's command to "abstain from blood" (Acts 15:28, 29). This includes not taking blood into our bodies through transfusions. However, we accept many medical treatments and procedures. We work with healthcare professionals to receive quality medical care that respects our Bible-based convictions.
Do Jehovah's Witnesses believe in salvation by faith or works?
We believe salvation is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ's ransom sacrifice (Ephesians 2:8, 9). However, genuine faith is demonstrated by works—by living according to God's will and sharing the good news with others (James 2:26). Faith and works go hand in hand.
How can I learn more about what Jehovah's Witnesses believe?
We offer free Bible studies where you can learn at your own pace in the comfort of your home. You're also welcome to attend our meetings and see for yourself what we believe and how we worship. Visit JW.org for extensive information, or contact us to request a Bible study.
