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NASB | Matthew 5:5 ¶ "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 5:5 ¶ "Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth. [Ps 37:11] |
Bible Question:
If all Jesus' followers go to heaven, Who are the 'gentle, meek, mild, patient, and long-suffering' that Jesus said would "inherit the earth"? 'EVERYONE that believes in Jesus has eternal life.' (John 3:16) |
Bible Answer: 'According to the theological definition of the term, a cult is a group that denies essential biblical doctrine while claiming to be Christian or in harmony with true Christianity. While the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, whose followers are known as Jehovah’s Witnesses, claims to be the true representative of Jesus Christ, it denies historic and essential Christian doctrines; therefore, evangelical Christians do, indeed, consider it a cult of Christianity. Jehovah’s Witnesses deny the doctrine of the Trinity, the omniscience and omnipresence of God, the personality of the Holy Spirit, the deity of Jesus Christ, the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, the physical Second Coming of Jesus Christ to the earth, the consciousness of man after death, eternal punishment for unbelievers, justification by grace through faith alone, and they distort the doctrine of the bodily resurrection of believers and unbelievers. In addition, this cult imposes social restrictions on its followers. For instance, Jehovah’s Witnesses are forbidden from receiving and donating blood, saluting the flag, military service, and celebrating birthdays and Christian holidays. The Watchtower severely reprimands and even “disfellowships” members who question the leadership or otherwise think for themselves. 'The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is a cult that originated in the 19th century. The group began as a small Bible study led by Charles Taze Russell in 1872. Zion’s Watch Tower Tract Society was started in 1884 by Russell and his followers. Several books and other resources by Russell were published by this group, and the teachings in them, along with those of Russell’s successor J. F. Rutherford, serve as the foundation for the cult’s beliefs. In 1931, the group adopted the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society as its name to distinguish itself from splinter groups. Jehovah’s Witnesses claim they do not follow any man, including Russell; however, their beliefs are founded on Russell’s false interpretations and teachings. Today, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society publishes The Watchtower and Awake! magazines and numerous other publications that promote their beliefs.' (www.equip.org/free/DJ050.htm) |