Jehovah's Witnesses have a particularly unique view about Jesus. They teach that Jesus is Michael the archangel.
They really have four arguments that they base this teaching on:
The first is that in the Bible only one angel is called an archangel, which is Michael. The word "arch" means ruler, and because the Bible only names one archangel (Michael). He must be Jesus.
Next they say point out that Michael is called "the great prince" in Daniel 12:1. Who better to be a prince over God's people than Jesus.
Then they show how it is Michael in Revelation 12 that defeats Satan and throws Him out of heaven. They say - who else but God's Son Jesus could be able to do such a thing.
Finally they point to 1Thess 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. They say - see he will have the voice of an archangel, and because there is only one archangel, Jesus must be Michael.
I have thought of some arguments against these 4 arguments:
#1 The Bible never says that Jesus is Michael (Now it never says that he is a part of the Trinity either, but that is a starting point)
#2 The Bible says that Jesus is not an angel.
Hebrews 1:5-6 For to which of the angels did He ever say, "Thou art My Son, Today I have begotten Thee"? And again, "I will be a Father to Him And He shall be a Son to Me"? 6 And when He again brings the first-born into the world, He says, "And let all the angels of God worship Him."
See God never said to an angel - "you are my son", and later he has all the angels worship the Son.
#3 In the Book of Daniel chapter 10: 13 Michael, one of the chief princes.
#4 Lets take a closer look at 1 Thessalonians 4:16
1Thess 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God;
They reason incorrectly, they say that Jesus descends with the voice of the archangel, therefore he is an archangel. But it also says that he descends with the trumpet of God. Does that mean that he is the trumpet of God? no way.
If I said to you "the night came with a terrible storm, and with utter hopelessness"
This doesn't mean that night IS a terrible storm and hopelessness.
Something else to point out is that it literally says that it was the voice of AN archangel and A trumpet of God. They say that there is only one archangel and that it is Jesus, but there is no definite article in the text.
#5 The watchtower own interpretation in the past was that Jesus was not Michael.
For years, the Watchtower taught that Michael is not the Son of God, since the angels had to worship him (WT, Nov. 1879, p. 4; Reprints, p. 48). At one time "Michael" was identified with the Pope of Rome! (The Finished Mystery, 1926 edition, p. 188) http://www.freeminds.org/doctrine/jesus/jesus-christ-who-is-he.html (Protestant Site)
#6 1 Samuel 2:25 "If one man sins against another, God will mediate for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?"
Could an angel have died for us? no. To fulfill justice, and appease the eternal God, you would need an eternal sacrifice, which is what Jesus (God the Son) has done for us.
How should we treat Jehovah's Witnesses when they come to the door?
What everyone needs to know is while it can be annoying for people to come to your door who actually want to talk about religion. These people are forced to go door to door. Now I imagine that some must like it, but for any of them to stop going is social suicide. Really these people are slaves to fear and you have an opportunity to help set them free. #1 by your example, treat them with great respect. Love them as Christ loves you. #2 If you are not prepared to speak with them, kindly let them know, and either get prepared and invite them back or let them know you are praying for them, but not to come again. But we must be Christ to them.
If you have questions about how to answer the Jehovah's Witnesses on certain topics, or would like to invite me to your parish to speak about how to best answer the Jehovah's Witnesses: Contact me via email Catholic4areason@gmail.com
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