by Outaservice 8 Replies latest jw friends
I know the official position of the Society is that Jesus Christ is in fact Michael the Archangel. However, in searching their official website I can find nothing said at all about the subject nor does it appear the subject has been in print for a very long time. Is this true or have I missed something?
Is this a teaching they are gradually backing away from as gracefully as they can or possibly a teaching they are quietly embarrassed about, and hope it will go away?
Outaservice
that is a good question. Although I do not have the answer to that myself, I am sure that someone here does?
Yes, it is current:
*** cf [2007] chap. 3 p. 28 par. 7 "I Am . . . Lowly in Heart" ***Michael is a name applied to Jesus -- before and after his life on earth -- in his role as archangel, or chief of Jehovah's heavenly army of angels. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
*** yb07 p. 236 Réunion ***
Later, I asked what the prophet Daniel meant when he spoke of Michael the archangel "standing" in behalf of God’s people. (Dan. 12:1) The Witnesses explained from the Scriptures that Michael is, in fact, Jesus Christ and that he has been "standing," or ruling as King of God’s Kingdom, since the year 1914. (Matt. 24:3-7; Rev. 12:7-10) I was amazed at these answers and at the Witnesses' knowledge of the Bible.
*** w07 3/15 p. 21 par. 4 Angels —- How They Affect Mankind ***
The angel foremost in power and authority -- the chief angel -- is named Michael the archangel. (Jude 9) He is none other than Jesus Christ. (1 Thess. 4:16)
It is not new. See the bottom of this page for some current publication on the subject ("the archangel, Jesus Christ, also called Michael"):
http://www.watchtower.org/e/19951101/article_02.htm
1 Thessalonians 4:16 is often cited to support the connection between Michael and Jesus ("For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel..."). I find the interpretation rather weak.
When I was studying with the JW's I received a small booklet about what they believe and Jesus was Michael the Archangel and the lady that came to my house confirmed that belief. This was 2 years ago when I had the booklet and WTS magazines.
They taught that he was the archangel back in the 60's and that he rowed the boat to shore.
They way the JW's apply the scripture demotes Jesus in their eyes, but they do not understand spiritual things
Maddie
They way the JW's apply the scripture demotes Jesus in their eyes
Hi Maddie - I'm not sure if you're making this point, but it has always seemed to me that demoting Jesus was an important part of dsimantling the Trinity. That this was the reason for linking Michael and Jesus.
so if jesus/michael is running around ruling the kingdom, chucking satan and his demons out of heaven, dying and all that ... what is god doing.
